David Beckham not selected for London 2012 football squad

David Beckham has not been selected for the Great Britain Olympic football squad.

The 37-year-old former England skipper said in May he thought he had a "good chance" of playing at London 2012. 

He 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."
Beckham made manager Stuart Pearce's shortlist of 35 players but was overlooked for the final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the Olympics. 

Pearce, who watched Beckham play for Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States last week, picked Manchester City defender Micah Richards ahead of him.

Pearce rang Beckham on Wednesday night to tell him the news, explaining that he wanted more defensive cover in the squad.
Richards has been included alongside Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy as the three over-age players.

Beckham, who signed a new two-year with LA Galaxy in January, was part of the Olympic flame handover ceremony in May, bringing it to Britain for the torch relay.
He played a major role as a sporting ambassador when London won the 2012 bid, and has made no secret of his desire to captain Team GB. 

He said in April this year that he wanted to "be a part of history" by competing in the Olympics in his home town.
London 2012 chief Lord Coe said he would be talking to Beckham about a role during the Olympics.

"David has been an extraordinary supporter - probably our number one supporter - of the Games from the very beginning and is keen to continue his enthusiastic support right to the end," he said.
"He is from East London and knows how important the Games and sport are to young people. "He is a great role model and we are lucky to have such an advocate

In January, Beckham said: "I have led my country before and know how special it would be to lead them into the Olympics."
However, Pearce said in April: "He's been a great ambassador but that's no guarantee he'll get in the squad. I'm picking on form and merit alone.