Michael Caine scoffs at Sir Beckham

Nov 7, 2006, 13:30 GMT

Real Madrid\'s English midfielder David Beckham (L) poses with Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova at the end of the Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday, 01 November 2006, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. Sharapova is in Madrid to play the Sony Ericsson Championship. EPA/TONO SOLANAS

Sir Michael Caine says soccer superstar David Beckham shouldn't be knighted.

The 73-year-old Oscar winner, who himself was honoured with a knighthood six years ago, thinks the ex-England captain - the husband of former Spice Girl Victoria - is too young to be bestowed with the prestigious title.

He is quoted by Britain's Daily Express newspaper as saying: "I don't know about David Beckham being knighted. He's a bit young.

"I wasn't a Sir until I was 66, Sean Connery was 68 when he got his, Roger Moore was 75.

"How old is David? He's about 30 - well he should at least wait until he's 33 or 34. Get a bit mature!"

Last week, David's wife Victoria admitted she would love to believe the rumours that her sports star spouse is to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth, and thinks he would be a worthy recipient of the honour.

She said: "Seriously, David has done a lot for services to football for this country. He also helped a lot on the Olympic bid and it would be great."

(C) BANG Media International