• London 2012

Beckham out of Olympic squad, Giggs in

David Beckham was expected to be named as one of Team GB's over-age players © PA Photos

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David Beckham has failed in his bid to be named in Stuart Pearce's Team GB Olympic football squad, the player confirmed on Thursday.

Beckham, having done so much to bring the London 2012 Games to the UK, was highly anticipated to be selected as one of Team GB's three over-23 players.

However, Pearce has reportedly opted for Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs, Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy, and - the surprise pick - Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The British Olympic Association [BOA] has always stressed that Pearce is under no pressure to select Beckham, with BOA chief executive Andy Hunt recently stating: "He will make the best call he can, on merit. I am not putting any pressure on him whatsoever to pick anyone."

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham currently plays Major League Soccer in the US, and is widely acknowledged not to be one of Team GB's strongest candidates for an over-23 slot.

Pearce has been to watch Beckham in America to view his form for LA Galaxy, and now Beckham has revealed he has not been chosen for the 18-man squad.

"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me," Beckham said. "I would have been honoured to have been a part of this unique Team GB squad.

"Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me."

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe confirmed he will discuss a different role for Beckham with regard to the organisation of the Games.

"Team selections are up to the coaches and managers of each sport," Coe said. "David has been an extraordinary supporter, probably our number one supporter, of the Games from the very beginning and is keen to continue his enthusiastic support right to the end. He really gets this.

"He is from east London and knows how important the Games and sport are to young people. He is a great role model and we are lucky to have such an advocate. I will be talking to him about a Games time role."

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