Jean-Claude Van Damme was 'honoured' to get his 'ass kicked' in 'The Expendables 2'.

The 51-year-old star - who has played a number of action stars throughout his career in movies such as 'Bloodsport' and 'Universal Soldier' - was delighted to be asked to appear in the latest instalment of the star-studded franchise after taking a break from making films.

Speaking about being asked to play a bad guy again, he said: 'It was an honour. It was an honour to get my ass kicked.'

Jean-Claude - who stars alongside Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris and Jet Li in the 'Expendables 2' - admits reigniting his acting career after taking a break has been like a 'change of reality' and he has now set his sights on directing films in the future.

He added to the Daily Record: 'I'd had enough of making movies to be honest with you. I have lived in Hong Kong for six years now, and you know when you come out of there and come back it's just like a change of reality.

'I directed a movie I started three years ago. The whole process took four years. It will either be called 'Full Love' or 'Soldiers'.