David Beckham is set to retire after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) season comes to a close, according to the 38-year-old’s statement on Facebook. He wants to retire while still playing at the highest level.
“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 said in his post. “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.
“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 honored to represent England both on and off the pitch…
“…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.”
England’s Football Association confirmed today that Beckham will be retiring after only one season in the PSG.
“Despite the offer of an extended one-year deal at Paris Saint-German, the 38-year-old has played his last game, bowing out on a high after helping Carlo Ancelotti’s side win the French title for the first time in 19 years,” reports The Daily Mail.
Beckham spent six years with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer before this season, where he helped increase interest in the league. The Galaxy won two championships in Beckham’s final two seasons with the team. He then returned to Europe with his family.
“We’re never going to replace David Beckham,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena told the Los Angeles Times this week. “David Beckham is a global personality, and he was tremendous for our franchise, tremendous for the league.”