Beckham says he would like to captain GB at Olympics

Jan 20, 2012, 9:09 GMT

London - Former England captain David Beckham says he wants to captain the Britain team at the 2012 Olympics.

The 36-year-old, who announced this week that he has signed a new two-year deal with Los Angeles Galaxy, said he had discussed the possibility with GB coach Stuart Pearce.

'I would love to be captain,' Beckham told a press conference. 'I have led my country before and know how special it would be to lead them into the Olympics.'

'It's an Olympics in the east end of London, where I grew up, and I am excited about, hopefully, being involved. I've had conversations with Stuart Pearce and as long as I'm fit, healthy and in form, hopefully I have a chance of making the team.'

The deal with LA Galaxy includes an agreement that Beckham could take leave to play in the Olympics, if selected.

'Obviously it's great that Galaxy are on board with the fact that I will be gone for that time,' Beckham added.

Beckham, who was linked with a move to Paris St Germain and said he had talked to 'one or two' Premier League clubs, said he could play on, even beyond his new contract.

'I still feel young and I will continue to play as long as I can. I love it,' he said.

'I enjoy training, I enjoy games, I enjoy being part of a team. My new contract will take me up to almost 39 and then we will see.'