Vodafone ends sponsorship deal with Beckham

British mobile phone giant Vodafone will not be renewing its sponsorship deal with England football captain David Beckham following a three-year partnership that reportedly earned the player 3.0 million pounds (4.35 million euros, 5.22 million US dollars).

"Following three successful years, Vodafone and David Beckham confirm that there will not be a further renewal of their sponsorship agreement," Vodafone said in a statement. It did not say who would be the new face of Vodafone.

Beckham's initial two-year contract, signed with Vodafone in 2002, was extended by another 12 months. The deal meanwhile covered the launch of the operator's 3G services last year.

Vodafone advertising campaigns featuring the 30-year-old have been used in Britain, the United States, Spain and Japan.

The group's chief marketing officer Peter Bamford said the former Manchester United player had contributed significantly to the Vodafone brand.

"We wish him continued success both on and off the pitch," he added.

Source: Xinhua