David Beckham takes opening ceremony role

David Beckham has revealed that he has been given a role at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London this Friday.

The former Manchester United and England midfielder had hoped to be part of Stuart Pearce's squad for the men's football tournament at the Games.

However, Pearce decide to overlook the 37-year-old, opting instead for Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards to be his overage players.

Despite confessing to The AP that he will be involved on Friday, Beckham stopped short of confirming what he will be doing.

Some reports have claimed that he will be handed the role of lighting the cauldron.