“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

IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...
Energy inflation
Updated 23 May, 2024

Energy inflation

The widening gap between the haves and have-nots is already tearing apart Pakistan’s social fabric.
Culture of violence
23 May, 2024

Culture of violence

WHILE political differences are part of the democratic process, there can be no justification for such disagreements...
Flooding threats
23 May, 2024

Flooding threats

WITH temperatures in GB and KP forecasted to be four to six degrees higher than normal this week, the threat of...