Football superstar David Beckham arrived in China on Wednesday to begin a five-day visit of the country as part of his role as ambassador for the Chinese Super League (CSL) and the Youth Football Program in China.

Speaking from Beijing, Beckham stressed his interest in promoting the game to Chinese youth during his trip, saying, "I am very proud to be here as the ambassador for the Chinese Super League and have a chance to help the children in China who love football…. Children are the future. I want to do everything possible to help children in China to become professional footballers one day.”

Beckham’s trip comes amid the CSL’s campaign to rebuild football’s reputation in China after the sport has been tainted by corruption and match-fixing scandals involving many players and soccer officials in recent years.