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David Beckham Excluded From England’s Olympic Team

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Perhaps the most famous soccer player in the world, David Beckham — the former England captain — was not selected to the British soccer team for the Summer Olympics, to be played in his native London.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder made Britain coach Stuart Pearce’s shortlist of 35 but was not amongthe final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the games.

“Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad,” the 37-year-old Beckham said today in a statement to The Associated Press. “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.”

Beckham had been widely expected to be selected for the Olympic squad after playing an instrumental role in in helping Sebastian Coe and his team win the bid in 2005 to host the games.

“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 team, and I can’t wait for the games to begin and enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain,” Beckham said.

The Olympic snub could spell the end of Beckham’s career representing his country. England’s most-capped outfield player made the last of his 115 appearances for England in 2009.

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