David Beckham says he does not want to be considered for the role of lighting the Olympic flame to officially open the Games on July 27 as he believes the honour should go to an Olympian.

“I’ve always said, lighting the torch in the stadium is something that should be done by an Olympian. Who has done incredible things for our country and won gold medals,” he said.

Beckham was overlooked for the Great Britain’s football team, with coach Stuart Pearce preferring the likes of his former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs.

After playing a key role in the bid team which brought the Games to London – according to sources, Beckham would light the flame during the opening ceremony. However, speaking after a Los Angeles Galaxy training session, Beckham claimed he will not undertake the honor.

Former England captain had previously made no secret of his hopes of landing one of the three over-age spots in Team GB’s football squad but was disappointed after being left out of Stuart Pearce’s Olympic football squad.

Speaking about the decision Beckham said,”Everyone knows how proud I am of representing my country and to do it in my home town on such a big stage would have been incredible so, of course, I’m disappointed, but life goes on.”

Despite his rejection, Beckham says he is still dedicated to performing his role as an Olympic ambassador at the Games.

“Obviously, all the talk of me possibly performing in the Olympics, it would have been a very proud moment for me,” said Beckham, who was part of the bid team that helped win the Olympics for London.”