Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham reacts to scoring a goal in an overtime shootout against Real Salt Lake during their MLS Cup 2009 championship soccer match in Seattle, Washington November 22, 2009. REUTERS/Marcus Donner

The grandfather of David Beckham, Joseph West, passed away Wednesday following a battle with lung cancer at the age of 83.

Beckham received the news as he arrived in Cape Town, South Africa help England win the race to host the 2018 World Cup.

The England midfielder may leave South Africa ahead of the Friday's draw for the 2018 World Cup despite his family urging him to stick to his work commitments.

Beckham was very close to Joseph who was the father of his mother Sandra.

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