David Beckham has not been selected as one of Great Britain’s three over-age players in their final 18-man football squad for the Olympics.
GB coach Stuart Pearce informed the former England captain of his decision in a phone call on Wednesday night.
Beckham said: “Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me.
“I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad. Like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”
Pearce has opted for extra defensive cover in Manchester City’s Micah Richards who will join former City striker Craig Bellamy and United’s Ryan Giggs as the other two over-age players in the Olympic Squad.