London, England

David Beckham helped bring the Olympics to London but he won't get to play in them.

Beckham was left off the final 18-man squad as coach Stuart Pearce went in other directions for his three over-age players.

"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me," Beckham said in a statement. "So I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad.

"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 was included on a 35-man list earlier this month and it looked as though he would eventually have a place on the squad.

Making the decision even tougher was the fact that Beckham was a key factor in helping London win the games in a vote in Singapore in 2005.

Despite the disappointment, Beckham took the high road and still seems excited about the upcoming games.

"As a Londoner I was really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town," he said. "I can't wait for the Games to begin and will enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain."

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