Soccer superstar David Beckham has announced his retirement from the sport after winning his latest title with French club Paris Saint-Germain. During his remarkable career 21-year career Beckham played for Manchester United, Preston North End (on loan), Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, Milan (loan), Paris Saint-Germain, and the England National Football team.
“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.
Beckham rose to prominence during his tenure at Manchester United where he’d go on to win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League title. In 2003 Beckham transferred to Real Madrid for $45 million, an enormous contract at the time.
After playing at Real Madrid for four years, Beckham moved to the United States to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. With the Galaxy Beckham would earn the league’s highest salary, $6.5 million per year, and would lead his team to two MLS championships. While in Los Angeles Beckham would be loaned to AC Milan during two off-seasons, causing a rife with fans.
After the 2012 MLS Final Beckham left the Galaxy, even with a year left on his contract, and signed a five month deal with Paris Saint-Germain. His entire salary from playing in Paris was donated to a local children’s charity.
In addition to club play, Beckham played 115 games for the England National Football team since 1996. After playing on the England U18 team from 1992-1993 and the England U21 team from 1994-1996, Beckham was added to the England National Football roster in 1996. He would represent his country in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006) and scored 17 international goals during his career. Beckham would have played in the 2010 World Cup if it wasn’t for tearing his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan three months before the competition.
“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,” Beckham said in a statement.
“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,” he added. “I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”
