LONDON - David Beckham has confirmed he will take part in Friday's Olympics opening ceremony following his shock snub from Britain's football team, it was reported Wednesday.
The 37-year-old former England captain was quoted by several newspapers as saying that he has been granted an unspecified role in Friday's extravaganza at the main Olympic stadium. "It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony which I am honoured to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago," said Beckham.
"And for Seb (Coe) to have kept me involved I'm very proud of that." Beckham, who played a key lobbying role during London's campaign for the Games in 2005, has already ruled out any prospect of him lighting the Olympic flame, saying the honour should go to an established Olympian. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder had been expected to play for Britain's footballers before being surprisingly axed by coach Stuart Pearce shortly before the Games.
Beckham, who now plays for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, said he now plans to travel back and forth between London and the United States during the Games. "I'll be going back and forward but I'll definitely be trying to get to a few events," said Beckham.