Soccer legend and heartthrob David Beckham will appear on the cover of the June edition of the British Marie Claire magazine.

After 14 years of domination by female models and personalities, Beckham is the first man to appear on the cover of the magazine which made its name by mixing serious features about world issues with the latest fashions.

In an interview with magazine, he said he was "flattered" at being a gay icon and that gay men find him attractive. "I'm very comfortable with it," he added

The England captain is hoping to recover from a broken foot in time for the month long World Cup season that begins on 31 May.

Beckham fans should also keep their eye out for the upcoming issue of GQ where the soccer star is to be shown bare-chested and covered in baby oil, complete with black nail varnish in a photoshoot. The magazine will also feature interview with Beckham by Elton John's partner David Furnish.