David Beckham: I feel Jewish because of my grandfather

British soccer icon David Beckham revealed that he considers himself to be Jewish because of his grandfather.

During a discussion at the London Jewish Cultural Center, the 41-year-old made it clear that Judaism had been a part of his life.

“My grandfather was Jewish, that was on my mother’s side, so yes, I do see myself [as Jewish].”

“I was never brought up Jewish, but like I said, my grandfather was, and every time we went to synagogue I was part of that,” said Beckham.

Beckham’s beloved Jewish grandfather, Joseph West, died in 2009 at age 83. “My granddad would follow me everywhere to watch me play,” said the retired soccer player.

West accompanied his grandson to receive an Order of the British Empire (OBE) honor from the Queen in 2003 and the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player once called West his “footballing inspiration,” according to the UK’s Jewish Chronicle.