David Beckham Retires From Football

After so many years of active playing both At country and club side on 16th May 2013 London David Beckham will retire at the end of this season. The most capped outfield player in England's history announced today the end to an illustrious career spanning three decades.

David Beckham is one of the most successful and decorated players in the history of the game. After PSG's recent Ligue 1 win, he has now won 19 trophies, 10 of them League titles and is the only English player to win Championship titles in 4 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 David Beckham.

Simon Fuller, Beckham's manager comments: "David has defined how a modern footballer with integrity and passion can reach the top of the sport he loves and also have such a positive influence on popular culture in so many remarkable ways. His dedication, respect for his peers and humility are what I believe make him such a unique and special man. David is now set to begin a new chapter in his life and with his global influence and popularity I am certain this is only the beginning of what will continue to be an inspiring and remarkable life's journey."

Making his debut in 1992, David Beckham would go on to be one of the most prodigious Manchester United players of all time. In securing 6 Championship titles, Beckham amassed 62 goals and 78 assists in 265 Premiership fixtures, contributing to more than half the goals scored by the team. Beckham was a key member in the historic Treble team, adding the Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 4 Community Shields to a long list of honours.

David Beckham continued, "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 realised those dreams."

David Beckham made his debut for England in 1996 and would go on to be the most capped outfield player in its history reaching a record 115 appearances. Beckham was the first English player to score in 3 consecutive World Cup Finals and has the joint-second most goal assists in European Championship Finals history.

"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," said Beckham.

Beckham is one of very few British players to have a successful career abroad, playing for Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris St Germain. He has been embraced by fans wherever he has played and would go on to become the first British player to reach 100 Champions League appearances. He won the La Liga title in his final season in Spain, the US MLS Championship twice and most recently The French Ligue 1 Championship.

Beckham added, "I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. 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.

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."

David Beckham is a great advocate for the sport. In a ground breaking move to LA Galaxy, Beckham became a figurehead for soccer in North America that was transformed during his time there, generating unprecedented levels of awareness and interest worldwide. This year, Beckham is the first ever sportsman from outside of China to be invited to become the Ambassador for the sport in the country. David is a passionate ambassador of the sport he loves.

"Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."

David Beckham has two final games before the end of the season, the last home match of his career this Saturday against Brest at Parc des Princes.