Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinhowas literally weirded out at Stuart Pearce's decision to exclude former England captain David Beckham out of his 18-man Team GB squad.

Beckham, 36, a well-known football icon, played a pivotal role in bringing the Games to London back in 2005 and was expected not just by him, but most football fans to be named as one of three eligible over-23 players for the tournament.

To the detriment of Beckham, the ones who were chosen were Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards. The result: a devastating defeat from South Korea.

“There is something I don’t understand,” said Mourinho, who was talking after his Real Madrid team beat LA Galaxy 5-1 in a pre-season friendly in California.

“If now the Olympic Games are in London, it is because of Beckham. I know, because I was also inside of that project.”

“It’s because of Sebastian Coe and other people, but he was the most important face of that project. I don’t understand why he is not playing. I cannot understand.”

“In a group of 18 players you have football qualities to give and human qualities to give. He is one of the best football professionals. I’m so sorry he’s not there.”

The former Chelsea manager added: “Beckham is always very nice to me. He has always very good words for me.I’m so sorry I could never be his coach, because I would love it.Now it is too late because David is in the last years of his career.”

Mourinho is definitely a fan of Beckham. It is also a fact that Beckham admires Mourinho as well. “Jose is an exceptional manager and an amazing human being as well,” said Beckham.

“He was one of the first people to call me after I ruptured my Achilles. He kept in touch with me. It makes him a great human being.”

“What he does for teams and what he does for players, individuals, is very special.”

“There are not many managers who can do that. He’s a very special person and manager. What he has achieved in his career, his very short career, is amazing.”