Beckham to play 'small part' in Olympic opening ceremony

Former England captain David Beckham has revealed that he will play a "small part" in the Olympic Games opening ceremony following his omission from the Team GB football squad.

The LA Galaxy midfielder was controversially left out of Stuart Pearce's 18-man team for the Games but has now confirmed that he will continue to be involved in London.

Beckham was part of the successful bid team seven years ago and described how grateful he remains to Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, for giving him a part to play.

"It's amazing to see," Beckham told ITV. "To be involved in the bid team that got the Olympics to London is something I feel very proud about.

"[I will have] some kind of role in the opening ceremony which I am honored to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start of this process seven years ago.

"For it to all come to life now, and to see the Olympic Park built and all the athletes start to arrive is exciting.

"I'm privileged to still be involved in this. I was involved seven years ago [in bringing the Games to London] and Seb [Coe] has kept me involved since then. I feel very honoured with that.

"At the time I said it felt a bit strange to be involved in an Olympic bid team, because I'd never performed in the Olympics or been an Olympian. So to be asked to be part of that bid team, I was very honoured.

"Seb's an amazing man who's done amazing things leading up to these Olympics, and who continues to do amazing things. So for him to keep me involved, I feel privileged."

Beckham, now 37, has won more England caps than any other outfield player and captained his country between 2000 and 2006.