English football superstar David Beckham says he is disappointed about being left off the British team for the London games but that despite being passed over, he is willing to play an active part in the Olympic Games.

Beckham, also stating on Friday that althought there have been calls for him to open the Olympics by lighting the cauldron in London - he does not believe he has earned the right. Becks, saying he feels the honour should go to an Olympian.

Beckham, who made Britain coach Stuart Pearce's shortlist of 35, was eventually disregarded from the final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the games. Although he was probably a long-shot to be included on the squad, Beckham was hoping he would get the nod to represent his nation at home.

David Beckham, LA Galaxy Midfielder, said, "I am very proud to be an ambassador, and I have been for the years that have lead up to this. Getting the Olympics was one of the proudest moments to be involved in, with the team. With the big team, it was an incredible moment, and then obviously all the talk of me possibly performing in the Olympics, that would have been a very proud moment for me. But everyone knows how proud I am of representing my country and doing it in my hometown, on such a big stage would have been, would have been incredible. So of course, yeah, I'm disappointed."