David Beckham has revealed he has a role in the Olympics opening ceremony but refused to give away any details about Friday's curtain raiser.
The former England captain was left out of Stuart Pearce's Team GB squad for the football tournament but was told by London 2012 chief Lord Coe that he would still be involved in proceedings.
Speaking at an event in London with former heavyweight champion Muhammed Ali, the footballer said he would be involved at the Olympic Stadium on Friday.
"It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony, which I am honoured to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago," Beckham revealed.
"And for Seb (Coe) to have kept me involved, I'm very proud of that."
But in keeping with the "save the surprise" campaign, which saw volunteers invited to a technical rehearsal of the opening ceremony asked not to reveal details, Beckham said he would not divulge any further details about the plan.
It is widely thought he will serve as one of the final torchbearers to help complete the 8,000-mile relay around Britain in the stadium, although it is expected a former Olympian will be given the honour of lighting the cauldron.
There is speculation Muhammad Ali could also play a role after the boxing great appeared with beckham at the Beyond sport conference.
"He stood for so many amazing things throughout his life, whether it's what he did in the ring or outside of the ring," Beckham said.
"His life and his career was all about survival and he is an amazing man."
Beckham said he sensed Olympic fever gripping London ahead of the opening ceremony.
"I was at the stadium yesterday and the park yesterday and you can feel the kind of atmosphere building, the excitement building," he said.
"I was brought up around this side of London and, you know, to actually see the changes that have happened and the excitement that's going on is a proud moment."
