Former England football captain David Beckham has revealed plans to visit the United Nations headquarters in New York to call for an end to child violence.

The 40-year-old is delivering the message as goodwill ambassador for UNICEF following his trip to Cambodia earlier this year.

Beckham, who retired from football in 2013, will carry with him a letter signed by 18 child survivors of violence.

"I spent time with children and young people [in Cambodia] who have experienced terrible violence and abuse often at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect them," said Beckham in a statement. "Their stories were deeply distressing and as a father it is devastating to think that any child should have to suffer like this.

"After listening to these incredibly brave children and hearing about the abuse they have endured, I want to make sure that world leaders act to protect children from danger. Every child, especially the most vulnerable, should be safe.

"That's why I am going to travel to the UN this September, to make sure that children's voices are heard and that the world comes together to stop violence against children."

The ex-Manchester United star has been a goodwill ambassador since 2005.