David Beckham dons suit and tie on the field for new 'ambassador' role

How Hwee Young / EPA

English soccer player David Beckham in action during a game with students from a middle school in Beijing, China, on March 20, 2013.

Ever the style icon, David Beckham kept his suit on as he played soccer with school children in Beijing on Wednesday. Beckham is embarking on a five-day tour of the country in his new role as ambassador for the Chinese Super League.

Chinese soccer has been marred by scandals and corruption, ITV News reports, but Beckham said he was "very proud and thankful for this opportunity." He would not confirm whether he was being paid for his ambassadorial work.

The former England captain recently joined French side Paris Saint-Germain after six years with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy.

Alexander F. Yuan / AP

Beckham speaks to students of Beijing's No. 2 high school during an event to promote soccer in China.

Lintao Zhang / Getty Images

Fans look on from behind a fence.

How Hwee Young / EPA

Beckham is in Beijing to begin his role as China's first global soccer ambassador.