Prague, Mar 31 (IANS): Former Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved has signed a three-year deal to be ambassador for the Chinese top football league.
The 43-year-old replaced former England captain David Beckham for the role which he was handed to by Chinese Super League (CSL) chairman Ma Chengquan here on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.
"Before me it was David Beckham so it's a great honour for me and for the entire Czech Republic," the winner of the 2003 Ballon d'Or said on the fringes of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit here.
The CSL company said Nedved, dubbed "Czech Ironman" in China, has been a widely recognised figure in the most populous country.
"Nedved is known for his outstanding football skills and more importantly his never-say-die spirit. His fighting spirit fits well in what the CSL calls for," the CSL said in a statement.