Nedved becomes Chinese soccer league ambassador

BEIJING - Former Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved has signed a three-year deal to be ambassador for the Chinese top soccer league.

Juventus ambassador Pavel Nedved (L) shakes hands with SL Benfica Nuno Gomes after the draw for the Europa League semi-finals matches at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, April 11, 2014.  [Photo/Xinhua]

The 43-year-old replaced former England captain David Beckham for the role which he was handed to by Chinese Super League (CSL) company chairman Ma Chengquan in Prague on Wednesday.

"Before me it was David Beckham so it's a great honor for me and for the entire Czech Republic," the winner of the 2003 Ballon d'Or told reporters on the fringes of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Prague.

The CSL company said Nedved, dubbed "Czech Ironman" in China, has been a widely recognized figure in the most populous country.

"Nedved is known for his outstanding soccer skills and more importantly his never-say-die spirit. His fighting spirit fits well in what the Chinese Super League calls for," the CSL company said in a statement.