'Tom Cruise doesn't shove Scientology down our throats,' insists David Beckham

The LA Galaxy player, who forged a close bond with the actor in recent years, insists that neither Tom nor wife Katie Holmes have attempted to convert the Beckhams to Scientology.

Beckham, who has been named Britain's most powerful man under 40 by Arena magazine, said: "We respect their religion. We respect everything they do and believe in.

"But they have never turned around to us and said, 'You have to be a part of this', because that's not what they're about. It's never been about that."

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"There's been nothing shoved down our throats because friends don't do things like that.

Tom and wife Katie Holmes welcomed David and Victoria to LA with a huge star-studded party in July, and have continued to help them settle into their new life.

David told Arena: "They are amazing people who are just so positive about life and they have been great to us."

The 32-year-old also has another close Hollywood confidant - Jennifer Lopez's singer husband, Mark Anthony.

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David revealed: "We talk about all sorts. What's happening that week, that day. What Jennifer's up to, what Victoria's up to. I speak to him at least three or four times a week."

Despite reports both David and Victoria are homesick after struggling to crack the US, he says the family is making LA home.

He said: "Victoria has done an amazing job on the house. She made sure the kids got into the right schools. It was a big move for them coming without their friends, their nans and granddads. But they love it. They say 'awesome' a lot.

Beckham also discussed how he keeps the fire alive in his marriage.

He said: "We do romantic things every day - write notes, make breakfast for each other. Something will happen every day that is romantic."

"Some people will be going 'yuck' at all this...We were lucky to have wanted the same things in life - to have kids young and be adventurous."

Beckham said he was "honoured" at topping the list of powerful men, which also includes Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, Prince Harry, Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich and Bond star Daniel Craig.

He added: "To get that title for just being a footballer is quite amazing."

Arena editor Giles Hattersley said: "Beckham has topped this year's Arena Power List because he is arguably the most recognisable Brit on the planet.

"David is our biggest sporting export and has inspired boys of all ages to become passionate about football - and fashion.

"He boasts a formidable CV - on and off the pitch - and at 32, has already lived the lives of 10 men."