( dpa )- Former England captain David Beckham, currently at Los Angeles Galaxy, is to build a training centre at a luxury resort near the north-eastern Brazilian city of Natal, in the state of Rio Grande del Norte, the news website G1 reported Tuesday.
The midfielder said in a press conference in Brazil that he does not intend to teach Brazilians - who have won a record five editions of the World Cup - the sport. He only wants to develop the sport in the South American country, he said.
"I am happy Brazilian children will benefit from access to the top class facilities and coaching at this resort," Beckham said.
The project is to be financed by the Norwegian group Brasil Development. A luxury resort is to be built at the beach Cabo de Sao Roque , in the town of Barra de Maxaraguape , some 50 kilometres from Natal.
It will include Beckham's World of Sport, featuring eight football pitches and a stadium to fit 10,000 spectators. The facilities will include a football academy that local children will be able to attend.
Beckham, who already has academies in London and Los Angeles, was to return Tuesday to London, where he is currently training with Arsenal, while the US Major League Soccer is in recess.
Brazilian Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello is also expected to take part in the project in his native country, with the Rubens Barrichello Driving Experience.