David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson to Reunite for Charity Football Match

David Beckham
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham poses at the unveiling of a digital installation titled "Assembly of Youth" at the United Nations in Manhattan, New York September 24, 2015. Andrew Kelly/Reuters

Global football icon David Beckham will captain an all-star charity football game next month to raise money for the United Nations children's organisation, UNICEF, according to their website.

In a post on Friday, UNICEF announced that Beckham will be joined by retired French footballer Zinedine Zidane who will captain the opposing team. The teams will meet at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium on Saturday 14 November.

Funds raised from ticket sales and donations made on the day will go directly to UNICEF and will be used to help protect the world's most vulnerable children, according to the charity's website.

Manchester United's previous manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will manage Beckham's "Great Britain and Ireland" team, and Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti will manage Zidane's "Rest of the World" team, according to the Manchester United website.

Beckham, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, said: "I want a world where children can grow up safe from violence, free from poverty and protected from preventable diseases.

"This match gives me the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds to help reach the children who need it most. I am delighted that my friend Zizou [Zidane] will join me in leading two teams, full of our friends and teammates, at the best stadium in the world."

Former England captain Beckham played for Manchester United for 11 years under the management of Ferguson. In 2003, Beckham was sold for 25 million to Real Madrid after Ferguson kicked a boot that hit the player above the left eye.

According to the BBC, Beckham personally asked Ferguson to take part. Speaking to Radio 1 this morning, the 40-year-old said: "Everyone knows I retired three years ago and I never thought I'd be getting my boots out again and playing.

"Football is such a powerful tool and to have Zidane on the field, Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti in the stands, I think people are going to love it. This match gives me the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds to help reach the children who need it most."

In an article for Newsweek last month, Beckham wrote about his latest campaign "7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund" through which he hopes to use his voice and influence to help raise funds for the charity.

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