The former England capitan arrived in the Chinese capital today to join up with Led Zepplin founder Jimmy Page and former X Factor winner Leona Lewis ahead of their starring roles in London's slot in the Olympic closing ceremony tomorrow.

 

The LA Galaxy midfielder, who was an ambassador for London's successful bid, Page and Lewis all spelled out their excitement at being involved in the event at the Bird's Nest stadium.

 

Beckham said: "I was so honoured to be asked and I'm so excited to be alongside such talente people.

 

"I'm an East End boy and I'm proud that it's happening in London.

 

"I was very proud to involved in the first place bringing it back to England and to London.

 

"It's going to generate so much interest in sport and kids are already getting excited about it.

 

"We have seen what the Chinese have done here and I'm sure we will better that, without a doubt."

 

Beckham, who went to the Bird's Nest stadium to watch the final night of the athletics, said he had been hugely impressed by the British athletes.

 

He said: "I was lucky enough to be back in London last week and had a lot of spare time in the hotel so I was watching the Olympics all day.

 

"It was great to see, the cycling was so impressive and it was great for Chris Hoy to have achieved what he did.

 

"It's nice to see many people getting so emotional about winning medals and it makes you proud to be British.

 

"It has been a great Games so far."

 

During London's eight-minute slot, Lewis will emerge from a the roof of red double decker bus singing, then Page will appear on a rising platform.

 

Page plays the unforgettable first few chords of 'Whole Lotta Love' and he and Lewis then perform a new version of the song.

 

Towards the end of the performance, Beckham appears on the roof of the bus and kicks a football into the crowd of Olympic athletes in the middle of the stadium.

 

Beckham said: "When I first heard Leona's voice, it's one of those voices you get goosebumps from.

 

"It's honour for me to actually be up there with them and it's going to be spectacular."

 

Lewis, an unknown when London were awarded the Games in July 2005 but now a worldwide superstar who has had number one albums in both Britain and the United States, said she was amazed to have been asked to take part.

 

She said: "When I knew who was going to involved in it I thought, 'Why do they want me?'

 

"I was just so honoured to be asked.

 

"I'm really excited about it.

 

"I'm from Hackney and I'm so proud it's coming to London, and how it's going to regenerate the area.

 

"For my area especially it's going to mean new jobs, new opportunities and I just can't wait.

 

"It's so big and amazing here in Beijing but London's going to do it differently and uniquely and it's going to be amazing it's own way."

 

Page said he was overwhelmed to have been asked to use his song for the handover ceremony.

 

He said: "Initially they requested to use 'Whole Lotta Love', then it was, 'You can play guitar on it if you want to'.

 

"Then it was said Leona was going to sing on it, and it just got a momentum of it's own.

 

"It's going to be really great.

 

"The Olympics is going to bring a whole spirit of optimism to London and it's going to be fantastic."

 

Cycling gold medallists Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton will also take part in London's eight-minute slot, but BMX star Shanaze Reade is expected to miss out after suffering a serious hip injury when she crashed out of the final on Saturday.