David Beckham has revealed he has been left out of the Great Britain football squad for London 2012.
The LA Galaxy midfielder was widely expected to captain Team GB after playing a major role in bringing the games to the UK in 2005.
But coach Stuart Pearce has omitted the former Manchester United star from his final 18-man squad as he can only name three players over 23 years old.
"Naturally I am very disappointed," Beckham said in a statement.
"There will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.
"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad.
"As a Londoner I was really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town as part of Seb's [Coe] team and I can't wait for the Games to begin and will enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain."
The 37-year-old had been on the 35-man shortlist and Pearce had flown out to the United States to watch him in action.
The final squad will be announced next week but it is widely reported that Beckham's former Manchester United team mate Ryan Giggs has been selected.
Wales international Craig Bellamy and Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who was left out of England's Euro 2012 squad, are the other senior players who are expected to be included.
Beckham is still expected to attend the Games and may have a role at the Opening Ceremony.
He accompanied the Olympic Flame from Athens to Britain and carried the torch in Cornwall as part of the pre-games relay.
The British Olympic Association said it had yet to receive the final 18-man squad from the FA.
