Beckham says he has role in opening ceremony

LONDON – David Beckham says he will have a role in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.

The 37-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had hoped to play for Britain's football team at the games, but he was not included in the squad by coach Stuart Pearce.

Instead, Beckham will play a part in the ceremony after campaigning to help London win the games in 2005.

Beckham tells The Associated Press that he has "some kind of role in the opening ceremony, which I am honored to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start of this process seven years ago."

Beckham adds "for Seb to have kept me involved, I'm very proud of that."

Beckham says he went to the Olympic Stadium on Monday.