DAVID BECKHAM admits he finds it "painful" not seeing his beloved Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Red Devils failed to qualify for Europe's elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Instead, they managed to secure a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup at the end of May.
But club legend Beckham believes Man Utd are "too big" to be competing in the second tier competition.
Speaking on CBS Sports earlier this week, he explained: "It is a little bit painful not seeing United there, but they're going through something.
"We're too big to not to be back on this stage. So at some point, we have to be.
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"I always look forward to the Champions League season. I was lucky enough to play in the competition with different teams and win it.
"I always follow the teams that I played for over the years but I watch all the games. It's the biggest and best competition."
Beckham gatecrashed CBS Sports' coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards were left flabbergasted when he walked into the studio.
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The England legend went on to reveal that he will be starting his own show on the channel.
Beckham is set to host a new watch party-style show with A-listers called ‘Beckham and Friends’.
He will be joined by a different celebrity or sports star for each match.
Beckham said: "Each time will be a different person, a personality, and a friend of mine.
"I love watching the game and in a certain way. It’s either with my kids or with friends.
"It’s going to be that thing where I’m watching, commenting on the game with friends, and not sometimes talking about the game."