The Chinese Football Association (CFA) and IMG Worldwide have officially announced the signing of superstar David Beckham as a Global Ambassador for Chinese football.

The 37 year old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and former England captain would visit China to promote Chinese football domestically and globally later this year according to a press release by IMG Worldwide.

“I am honored to have been asked to play such an important role at this special time in Chinese football history,” Beckham said in the official communiqué.  “I’m excited by the prospect of promoting the world’s greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I’ve seen firsthand the growing interest in football there. This is a wonderful sport that inspires people across the world and brings families together, so I’m relishing the opportunity of introducing more fans to the game.”

“2013 marks the 20th anniversary of professional football in China and the special ambassadorship of David Beckham will attract global attention to Chinese football and the Chinese Super League (CSL),” said a CFA official. “We are pleased to invite Mr. Beckham to visit China at this special moment.  While in China, he will attend the CSL and visit Clubs to get a deeper insight into football in China.  He will also help us to inspire and motivate many children to participate in this beautiful game.”

Mike Dolan (Chairman & CEO, IMG Worldwide) said, “This is the perfect time for an icon like David Beckham to be spearheading the effort to promote football in China. The combination of the 10-year anniversary of the CSL, the 20th anniversary of professional football in China and the global appeal of David Beckham practically ensures that every young person in the country will have a new found interest in the game.  We expect that David’s presence in the country will be massively important in popularizing the sport.”

Beckham would also take part in an All-Star Game in China as part of the deal.