David Beckham will take the captain's armband when LA Galaxy meet Real Salt Lake in Utah on Sunday. The 35-year old star midfielder will step into Landon Donovan's role whilst the USA forward is way on international duty.

Beckham confirmed that head coach Bruce Arena handed him the responsibility and he was delighted to take it although it will not impact the way he goes about his game on the pitch.

"Bruce has asked me to wear it," Beckham told MLSsoccer.com. "I'd be proud to wear it. I'm looking forward to that.

"It's important that we all lead on that day, but obviously I'll be wearing the armband," he added.

"It doesn't change the way I play or the way I approach the game. The armband is obviously something you're very proud to wear but you need more than one leader on the field. I'll be just approaching the game like normal."

Beckham took over the captaincy from Donovan when he first arrived at the club in 2007 but relinquished it when he went to AC Milan on loan at the start of 2009.

Arena admitted he was the most reasonable choice in Donovan's absence to lead the undefeated Galaxy into action against the 2009 MLS Cup winners.

"He's a logical choice and he's worn the captain's armband here before and probably in a couple of other places as well," Arena said. "I don't think it's asking too much. It's not too overwhelming for him."