David Beckham is embarking on a whole new career – acting! The former footballing star has landed a role in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film, Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur. Beckham announced the news in a recent interview with a British newspaper and revealed he is prepared to face criticism if his acting skills are not up to scratch.

David BeckhamDavid Beckham at the opening of the 'Breitling Boutique' in Madrid, June 2015.

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In an interview with The Times, Beckham revealed he is saddened by his move away from football after his retirement two years ago but he is looking forward to the new opportunities acting may bring.

“I know how difficult it is going to be because I have seen other players struggle with life after football,” Beckham said. “This has been my life for almost as long as I can remember. I can’t get my head around what it will be like not to be training, to have matches, to have ambitions in the game. But it has to stop at some point: I have to accept that.”

Beckham further revealed he “would love” to continue appearing in films and developing his acting skills.

However, Beckham is aware he may face criticism if his talents do not extend to acting. Fortunately he’s prepared for it as he has faced criticism throughout his career and, more recently, even had to respond to criticism about his parenting.  

“I am very aware that many sportsmen and other celebrities have turned their hand to acting – and failed,” Beckham said in the interview (via The Independent). “I know it is a tough profession, where you need a huge amount of skill and discipline. I wouldn’t want to push myself forward too soon, without learning more about it, and doing a lot more practice.”

“But what I have done so far, I have loved. I can deal with most things. I am a well-known person, so I have got used to criticism.”

It is uncertain what role 40-year-old Beckham will play but it is a speaking part. This isn’t Beckham’s first appearance in a film as he recently appeared in a cameo role in Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Beckham joins an all-star cast for the upcoming film which includes Charlie Hunnam, Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, Jude Law and Eric Bana.

Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur is due to be released on 22nd July 2016 in the UK and USA. 

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