David Beckham sets sights on acting career

Former footballer David Beckham has branched into everything from modelling to charity work, but he's keen to prove there's no limit to his talents - and hopes to act in films too.

While the star admitted he's aware acting is a "tough profession", he's "used to criticism", reports mirror.co.uk.

"I am very aware that many sportsmen and other celebrities have turned their hand to acting and failed," Beckham was quoted as saying by The Times.

"I know that it is a tough profession, where you need a huge amount of skill and discipline, and 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," he added.

He praised filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who gave him a speaking role on "Knights of the Roundtable", which is due out next year.

Beckham revealed he rehearsed with someone for an hour each day in the build up, and added that Ritchie was full of praise for him.

While it was "nerve-racking", the former England captain said it "went really well".