David Beckham left out of Team GB Olympic football squad

After all his hard work in bringing the Olympic Games to London, Beckham has been left out of Team GB

David Beckham has spoken out about his disappointment at not being included in the Team GB football squad for London 2012.

The decision comes as a shock especially as Beckham was a crucial part of the team that secured the right to stage the Olympic Games in the 2005 vote.

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Speaking of his sadness at not being picked as part of Team GB, Beckham, 36, said: '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.'

He added: '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.

'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 [Coe] team, and I can't wait for the games to begin and enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain.'

The rules state that only three players over the age of 23 may be included in the squad and manager Stuart Pearce has chosen Micah Richards, Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs in place of David Beckham.

The footballer will be even more disappointed at the news considering he has tirelessly supported the London 2012 Olympics from the beginning - having carried the Olympic Flame from Athens to Britain and taking part in the closing ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

What do you think about the decision to exclude David Beckham from Team GB? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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