Beckham left out of London 2012 squad

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Published time: June 28, 2012 11:23
Edited time: June 28, 2012 15:23

Olympic dream shattered. Great Britain’s football coach, Stuart Pearce, has shocked the country by leaving veteran star David Beckham, out of the line-up for London 2012.

­"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me,” Beckham said in a statement to The Associated Press. “So I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad. Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold."

Under-23 footballers compete in the Olympic football tournaments, but the 37-year-old was expected to be among the three over-age players allowed in the squad, together with Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs.

But the coach preferred Manchester City's talented Micah Richards, to Becks in the end.

The decision is a big a blow for the London 2012 Organizing Committee as one of the most famous players on the planet was supposed to attract attention to the whole Games and its football tournament, in particular.

Despite his age, the LA Galaxy star was in pretty good sporting shape, leading his team to MLS’s championship last year.

Beckham is still expected to attend the Olympics as the former England star is reported to have a role in the London 2012 opening ceremony.