Wear it like Beckham: soccer star launches 'bodywear' line

David Beckham has lent his face and body to Armani in the past, starring in the Italian label's underwear ads to the joy of female fans worldwide, but it seems the star athlete has had enough of sharing revenues earned with his good looks.

According to Women's Wear Daily, Armani's turnover almost doubled during the time Beckham was spokesmodel for the brand, and "it proved to me that there is a real market for good-looking, well-made men's bodywear," Beckham told the paper, adding that "the push to do something of my own really came as a result of my collaboration with Armani."

He might have also been inspired by his wife Victoria who has proven over the past seasons that celebrity fashion lines can indeed gain a critically acclaimed following, and their common business manager Simon Fuller - who also managed the Spice Girls at a certain point - will probably do the rest to make this a successful venture.

"With my team we have spent time working on the fit, the fabric and the style to ensure the product looks and feels the very best and I am hugely proud of the end result," Beckham told WWD.

There is no word yet on when his underwear range will launch, but a new scent called Homme by David Beckham - developed with new partner Coty - is scheduled to be released in September.