'I never wanted to be famous, I only wanted to play football': David Beckham reflects on his superstardom

By Emily Sheridan

Not ready to retire: David Beckham talks about his career and Olympic hopes in the new issue of Men's Health magazine

It's a long time since David Beckham went from being a regular Premiership footballer to 'Beckham the brand'.

But despite raking in millions of pounds for lucrative advertising campaigns, David Beckham insists he never set out to be famous.

The father-of-four, 36, says all he ever wanted to was play football and somehow, after getting together with Spice Girl wife Victoria, they became a celebrity supercouple.

As he poses with a quiff for a new black and white photoshoot for the UK edition of Men's Health magazine, Beckham opens up on his decision to re-sign with Los Angeles Galaxy last week.

He tells the magazine: 'I never wanted to be famous. I was never interested in anything else apart from becoming a footballer.'

And at 36, Beckham knows he doesn't have long left in the game, but certainly has a lot to do before he retires.

He said: 'I know what my limits are, what I can achieve and which passes I can play. So that’s been my game over the last few years: I have adapted to my age, different situations and the position that I’m playing in.

'I still love playing; I still love being part of a team. Right now I’m not even thinking about retiring.'

Although Team GB coach Stuart Pearce is yet to choose which footballers will represent the country at this summer's Olympics, Beckham is hoping for the captain's job.

He enthused: 'I’d like to play for a GB football team because it’s something that hasn’t happened for many, many years. Hopefully I’ll be fit, hopefully I’ll be in form and hopefully I’ll be playing.'

Knows his limits: David Beckham said he knows he doesn't have long int he game but keeps himself in trim condition, seen here in LA today going to training