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'Retiring has freed up more time': David Beckham announces new, decade-long collaboration with UNICEF - on tenth anniversary of his role as charity's goodwill ambassador

By Jason Chester and Peter Lloyd for MailOnline

Published: 07:59 EST, 9 February 2015 | Updated: 10:07 EST, 9 February 2015

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Football icon David Beckham has announced plans to dedicate the next decade to furthering his role as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

The sportsman made the announcement on Monday - which coincided with the tenth anniversary of his work with the global children's charity.

Specifically, he unveiled a new scheme entitled 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, which will target seven key areas of child hardship.

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Loyal: David Beckham has announced plans to dedicate the next decade to furthering his role with UNICEF

The initiative will aim to convince world leaders on new global goals that could change the lives of children – especially the most vulnerable – for years to come.

The locations it will focus on include Swaziland, Djibouti and Burkina Faso in Africa.

Speaking at the event at Google HQ in London, David said: 'My fame, my success on the field, opens doors for exactly things like this - the protection of children.

'Even before I had children it meant a lot to me. It changes people's lives across the world. When people say what's the greatest thing about being David Beckham? It's this. It's helping children around the world.'

David Beckham reveals '7' UNICEF fund to help kids in danger

7: The initiative will aim to convince world leaders on new global goals that could change the lives of children – especially the most vulnerable – for years to come

He also joked that he will be forcing his own children to get involved.

'The children will be getting involved because I'm going to make them. But they are excited about that.

'They know exactly what I'm announcing today and what needs to be done,' he said.

Speaking up: The popular sportsman will continue his UNICEF commitment for the next decade

The star, who attended the BAFTAs on Sunday evening, stressed that his goals encompassed applying more political pressure.

'We want to raise funds but it's not just about raising funds, its raising awareness. We're focusing on several areas.

The reason I'm setting up the 7 fund is the fact that I can raise awareness. I can change a man's perspective, I can change a woman's perspective, I can change a child's perspective.'

Playing ball: The star, who attended the BAFTAs on Sunday evening, stressed that his goals encompassed applying more political pressure

Line-up: Paloma Escudero, David Beckham and David Bull attend a photocall as he celebrates 10 years as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador at Google HQ

Over the past decade as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham has played a crucial role in raising awareness of UNICEF’s work to save and change children's lives around the world.

He has raised global awareness of the dangers children are facing around the world including Ebola, malnutrition and AIDS.

He has travelled to see UNICEF's work, meeting children in Sierra Leone, South Africa, Thailand and most recently the Philippines in which he helped raise vital funds for children affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

New role: The father of four said his passion for working with needy children was present before fatherhood

David Beckham talks retirement and embarrassing the kids

Hrad-working: Over the past decade as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham has played a crucial role in raising awareness of UNICEF’s work to save and change children's lives around the world

Changing minds: The football star wants to use his celebrity power to help change the lives of children

Involved: David has travelled to see UNICEF's work, meeting children in Sierra Leone, South Africa, Thailand and most recently the Philippines in which he helped raise vital funds for children affected by Typhoon Haiyan