David Beckham says he has failed to make the British Olympic football squad.
The former England captain made Stuart Pearce's shortlist of 35 but was not selected for the final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the London Olympics.
"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad," Beckham said Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press.
"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."
Beckham had been heavily favoured to be in the squad after being instrumental in helping Sebastian Coe, the head of the London organising committee, and his team win the rights to stage the games in the 2005 vote.
"As a Londoner, I will have been really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town as part of Seb's team, and I can't wait for the games to begin and enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain," Beckham said.
