David Beckham has called time on an illustrious career in football, after he announced his retirement from the sport today.
Beckham, or Becks as he has been known for many years, has brought an end to a 20 year playing career that has seen him ply his skills for clubs in a number of different countries such as Preston North End, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint Germain and of course, Manchester United.
In a statement released to the media this evening, Beckham said, “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 is the only English player to have won league titles in four different countries, winning them at Manchester United, Real Madrid, La Galaxy and most recently at PSG. Speaking of this in his statement he said, “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 100 times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.”
He also played for England on 115 occasions, making him the Three Lions’ most capped outfield player, and second only to Peter Shilton in total appearances.
“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,” he said in his statement.
Beckham is considered one of the greatest players in the history of football and is credited with playing a big part in raising the popularity of the game in the USA, and with bringing the Olympics to London.
Speaking of his legacy, the midfielder had much simpler hopes for people to remember him by. “I want people to see me as a hardworking footballer – someone who, when he steps on the pitch, he gives everything he’s got,” he said. “When I look back on my career that is how I look back on it and that is how I hope people have seen me,” he concluded.
Beckham has two final games to play with PSG before hanging up his boots for the final time.
