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DAVID BECKHAM draws on an asthma inhaler - revealing to the world that he has the condition. The breathless England ace, 34, had a puff during half-time in a cup final in the US.

He has had the illness since childhood, but has never been seen in public using his medication. The sight will inspire British kids who fear asthma may kill their sporting dreams. A spokesman for Becks said: "David's always had a mild form of asthma.

"It's not severe but he does use an inhaler on occasions."

Dad-of-three Becks used the preventative steroid at half-time in the Major League Soccer Cup final. His LA Galaxy side lost 5-4 on penalties to Real Salt Lake at Sunday's game in Seattle.

Wife VICTORIA, 35, and son ROMEO, seven, were watching. Dr Mike Thomas, of Asthma UK, said: "Seeing David Beckham using an inhaler is proof asthma needn't stop you competing at the highest level."

He said Man United's Paul Scholes and runner Paula Radcliffe have asthma. There are about 5.4million sufferers in Britain. - thesun