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When it comes to the 2012 Olympics, David Beckham definitely wants to do more than just carry the torch.
"I would love to be on the Olympics team," the soccer star told Today's Meredith Vieira on Monday. "I'm very proud of what I've achieved in my career so far. I've obviously played for the national team for quite a few years, and now I want to represent the G.B. team in the Olympics."
Beckham also addressed his critics, who say that if he is selected to play, it will be more because of his fame off the field as opposed to any fancy footwork on it.
"I don't really take too much interest in those kind of comments," Beckham insisted. "But I have said that I felt that those comments are disrespectful, because I've had kind of a successful career with what I do."
Of course, seeing how this chat with Beckham took place in London, it was only natural that the conversation eventually segued into a discussion about Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
"The queen is someone that I feel that I've grown up with. She's like my grandmother," Beckham said. "So for us to be celebrating 60 years on the throne, 60 years leading our country the way she's led our country, is a special moment for us."
Speaking of special moments, Beckham himself experienced another one less than a year ago with the arrival of his fourth child—and first daughter—Harper.
"[We are] totally wrapped around her finger. The moment she was born, I think me and the boys, we were all done," Victoria Beckham's other half beamed, adding that she has an "unbelievable" wardrobe.
"I think that's why I have to keep playing," he said with a smile.