David and Victoria Beckham

Madrid, Feb. 20 (Reuters): British pop singer Victoria Beckham, wife of England soccer captain David Beckham, today gave birth to their third son, Cruz.

The boy was born by caesarean section a week early at a hospital in Madrid, where David Beckham plays for Real Madrid. ?We?ve got a baby boy. His name is Cruz,? a beaming David Beckham said. ?He is beautiful. He is in there with his brothers now and he is very happy.?

The Beckhams, Britain?s highest-profile celebrity couple, already have two children, Brooklyn, five, and Romeo, two. A statement from the hospital said Cruz ? Spanish for ?cross? ? was delivered after a 30-minute operation with no complications, weighing 3.22 kilos.

?It?s just a name we liked. We found it hard this time but we came up with a name that we both loved and stuck to it,? Beckham said. ?He?s got Victoria?s nose and lips. He?s gorgeous so we?re very happy.?

British bookmakers William Hill said they had done a roaring trade as punters betted on what name the Beckhams would choose. ?Jose? had been 7-1 favourite while other choices included the names of Real Madrid teammates such as Zinedine, after French star Zidane, or Ronaldo, after the Brazilian striker.

There was no sign of ?Cruz? on William Hill?s list.

The baby was born at 0940 GMT after doctors at the Ruber clinic asked Victoria to come for an early delivery. Beckham said both mother and child were doing well, although Cruz could remain in hospital for a few more days.

The Beckhams? other children were both born at London?s exclusive Portland Hospital.

The doctor overseeing the birth, Juan Vidal Pelaez, said Beckham was present during the operation. Malcolm Gillard, a London doctor who delivered Brooklyn, was also there.

Vidal said Victoria Beckham could have a fourth child, but the risks would be greater.