Cape Town - One of the world's most famous football players popped in for tea with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in Cape Town on Thursday.

On the eve of England's World Cup match against Algeria in the city's Cape Town stadium, David Beckham paid a surprise visit to Tutu at the cleric's offices in Milnerton.

"I have been fortunate to meet Nelson Mandela and I'm honoured today to meet the Archbishop, a person who I admire for what he has achieved for South Africa," Beckham was quoted in a statement, issued after the visit by the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre.

Beckham said both he and Tutu shared a common love for football.

"And we believe that sport can have a strong and lasting impact on communities and children's lives across the world," he said.

One of England's most capped players, Beckham has served as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, with a special focus on its Sports for Development programme.

He said that as a father of three sons, he appreciated the work done by Tutu's peace centre.

"I've been lucky to achieve what I have, and giving back is important to me. I have children who are my life, so if I can help, I would love too," he told Tutu.

Tutu took Beckham over to the offices next door to his, where the soccer star was mobbed by women working in a call centre.
 
"I could hug you for doing that," Tutu told Beckham afterwards, "you can't put a monetary value on the goodwill you've shown here today. The world is a better place for people like you."

According to the statement, Tutu and Beckham then chatted over a cup of tea, with Beckham telling the Archbishop he was disappointed not to be playing in the World Cup.

"These things happen in life," he said, referring to the ankle injury which ruled him out of the tournament.

Beckham is serving as a member of the England team's coaching staff during the World Cup.