David Beckham, one of the most iconic football stars of his generation, has announced his retirement.
His decision comes days after the 38-year-old won his latest title with French club Paris Saint-Germain.
Beckham, who won the
Champions League with Manchester United in 1999, also won league titles
with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy before arriving in the
French capital earlier this year after signing a short-term contract.
The midfielder won 115
caps for England and is married to former Spice Girl and fashion
designer, Victoria, He is estimated to be the country's wealthiest
sportsman, earning in excess of $46 million a year, according to France
Football magazine.
"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," said Beckham in a statement.
"I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams."
Despite the glittering
career with some of the world's top clubs, Beckham singled out
captaining his country as one of his "proudest achievements."
"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 had the chance
to join PSG in January 2012, but opted to stay in the U.S., ending his
American mission with his second MLS Cup title before announcing that he
would not fulfill the second year of his contract extension.
Champions PSG's last two
games are against Brest at the Parc des Princes in the French capital
on Saturday and at Lorient next Sunday.
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