David Beckham has signed a clothing deal with Kent & Curwen.

The retired soccer star has announced he will be working closely with all aspects of the menswear brand - which has over 100 stores across China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - to help create an apparel line.

Of the new working relationship, he said: ''I'm always looking to work with brands and companies that have a rich history and authenticity. When this authenticity is rooted in the country that I came from, it attracts me even more to the partnership.

''What I love is that Kent & Curwen has a pedigree and excellence that has been passed through generations. Our aim is to build on its existing popularity and success in China and establish it as a powerful brand globally.''

The 40-year-old star also admitted he ''experimented'' with fashion as a young boy but has since come to realise what suits him best.

He added: ''I've always been inspired by simple, effortless style. Sometimes it's a pair of classic jeans and a T-shirt and sometimes it's a great suit from a classic British tailor.

''I experimented with fashion a lot when I was younger, but as you get older you tend to have a greater understanding of what fits and suits you.''