“It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony which I am honoured to be involved in." -Photo by AFP

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 on 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.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...