The world's most famous footballer, David Beckham launched his new role as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF this weekend in Sierra Leone.

The West African country is struggling to recover from a 1991-2002 civil war. Deaths among mothers and children are among the highest in the world in the former British colony, where roads, schools and hospitals were destroyed by a conflict notorious for images of drugged child soldiers raping and killing civilians.

The former England captain ventured out of the capital Freetown to rural areas in the north of the country, once held by rebels during the war.

David Beckham, is an inspired choice for the role of UN Ambassador. Football is the most popular sport in the country, played on dirt pitches throughout the country and many taxis in Freetown bear huge stickers devoted to Manchester United, Beckham's old team.

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