Becks announces retirement after long and illustrious career.
Former England captain David Beckham will retire at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old could feature in PSG’s final two matches of the Ligue 1 season before hanging up his boots.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy midfielder holds the record for total number of England caps won by an outfield player, racking up 115 between 1996 and 2009.
The Leytonstone-born youngster began his career at Old Trafford, where he was part of the famous United “class of ’99” that included Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who also announced his retirement this week.
Beckham won six Premier League titles at Manchester United, and lifted the UEFA Champions League in the famous treble-winning season of 1998-1999.
But his glamourous lifestyle reportedly led to a rift with boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the right winger was sold to Real Madrid in summer 2003.
Beckham spent four seasons at Real and played a major part in helping the club to its only major honour during his time at the Bernabeu – the 2006-2007 La Liga title.
He then left to join MLS outfit LA Galaxy and spent five years in California, twice joining AC Milan on loan during the US outfit’s summer break.
After leaving Galaxy last year, Beckham joined PSG on 31 January and added a tenth league title to his haul of silverware.
In total, Golden Balls won 19 trophies, 10 of them League titles and is the only English player to win Championships in four different countries.
“I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” said Beckham.
“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country,” Beckham continued.
“I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.
“I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch. I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”
Beckham also paid tribute to his family for supporting him during his career.
“I wouldn’t have achieved what I have done today without my family,” he said.
“I’m grateful for my parents’ sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams. I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period. I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his team for their continued support.”
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