The LA Galaxy player, who has played a full 90 minutes on only two occasions since his move from Real Madrid, will front 'Emporio SS08', an underwear campaign which will start in January.

Since his move to California last summer, Beckham and his wife Victoria have shared numerous dinners with the Italian fashion designer, forging a close relationship.

A source said: "The personal relationship was definitely instrumental to this deal. David and Giorgio get on very well so it was very much Giorgio's personal choice. But Armani also see this as a sound business decision – few individuals have a truly global reach that David can have."