Giorgio Armani, designer of the new Emporio Armani Underwear collection, released an official statement announcing that David Beckham will be the new face of the product on Monday.

“David is truly a modern day icon in that his fame extends well beyond the realm of soccer. He is considered as one of the world’s most talented soccer players and a former captain of his national team, but his image has come to stand for more than this. He represents a notion of modern masculinity: as a sports hero, husband and father,” said the designer.

“He is also a man with a great sense of style. There was a time when soccer players were not always considered to be fashion role models. David Beckham has helped to change that,” Armani added.

David says:

“I first met Mr. Armani quite a few years ago while I was working with the England team when he designed our World Cup suit. I’ve been a big fan of his style for a long time and, through the years, my wife and I have become friends with him, so I’m happy to be working with him now. For me Giorgio Armani is a man who has been at the top of his game for more than thirty years.”

The underwear spread will debut in the February 2008 edition of Vanity Fair.