Beckham Will Have Opening Ceremony Role

David Beckham has revealed he will have a role in the Olympic opening ceremony.

The former England captain was left out of the Team GB football squad, but London 2012 chief Lord Coe said he wanted Beckham to remain involved with the games.

The 37-year-old has refused to divulge any details of his role in Friday's ceremony, but confirmed he has one:

"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.

The LA Galaxy midfielder said he planned to travel back to London to see some events and take in the unique atmosphere of a home Olympics:

"I was brought up around this side of London and, you know, to actually see the changes that have happened and the excitement that's going on is a proud moment."

Beckham was speaking at an awards ceremony in London alongside former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

They presented 19-year-old Afghan refugee Matiullah Haidar with the inaugural 'Generation Ali Beyond Sport Award', which acknowledges young people who have inspired their peers through sport.