Legions of fans welcomed David Beckham as he arrived in Beijing yesterday to begin his role as China's first global soccer ambassador.

Football superstar David Beckham played down expectations he can improve the battered image of the Chinese game as officials yesterday unveiled him as the sport's ambassador in the country.

The former England international's new role has been widely seen as an ambitious attempt by the Chinese Super League to recover from years of match-fixing and corruption involving players, referees and officials.

A three-year inquiry culminated last month in 33 people being banned for life and several clubs fined and docked points.

But the 37-year-old, who is on a five-day visit to China while his current club Paris Saint-Germain is on a break for international fixtures, said his focus was on developing the sport at grassroots level.

"What has gone on in the past? I am not a politician so I have nothing to do with it," he told a press conference in Beijing.

"I am helping in the education for young kids and young aspiring footballers. It's as simple as that. I am not here to clear up anything. I am here to educate the children and give them a chance of becoming professional footballers."

Developing a youth program is considered a priority for the CSL, with a mere 8,000 players of all ages registered at local associations in a football-mad nation of 1.3 billion people. Beckham indicated he would take a strong interest in inspiring and training talented young players who might one day represent their nation internationally.

"I think it's important that we get a process in hand," he said.

Beckham, who is known as "Little Becks" in China, said he was not being paid.

Chinese media have quoted CSL officials as saying he would receive a salary of two million euros (US$2.6 million) from one of the world's biggest sports agencies.

But he said: "There are no figures attached. I am here as an ambassador, simple as that. There are always figures thrown about what I am doing with my life, but right now I am playing football for free in Paris and I am here as an ambassador."

Beckham, who was linked with a move to play in the CSL after leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy in December, also said he hasn't ruled out playing professionally in China someday. "Who knows? People keep saying that it will be my last club, it will be my last season," the former Manchester United midfielder said. "I continue to play and I love playing, so we'll see."

Beckham is due to play an exhibition game in China in November, five months after his contract with PSG expires.