To Sir, with love: David Beckham ‘immensely proud' to be given long-awaited knighthood
Former England captain
David Beckham said he is 'immensely proud' to have been given a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.
The sports star, who celebrated his 50th birthday last month, is being honoured for services to sport and charity.
'Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,' Beckham said in a statement.
'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.
'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.
'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in, but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.'
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