Former Manchester United, England and Real Madrid star David Beckham has retired from professional football.
The 38-year-old, who spent four seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, has reportedly turned down the offer of a one-year contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain in order to hang up his boots.
A statement from the former England national team captain today confirmed his decision to call time on what has been a 20-year playing career.
“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,” Beckham reflected.
“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams.”
Beckham has been capped 115 times by England, a record for an outfield player for the national team.
“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. 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 teammates, 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 began his professional career at Manchester United before moving out to Spain, where with Madrid he won one League title and a Supercopa de Espana.
A stint in America with LA Galaxy was broken with loan spells in Italy with Milan, before a permanent return to Europe came with his January 2013 signing at PSG for a five-month spell.
