David Beckham Announces Retirement From Soccer After 20 Years With The Sport
It’s a sad day for soccer fans everywhere — and the women who watch the sport with their beaus because of the handsome eye candy that is David Beckham. After a 20-year career in soccer, Beckham has announced that he will be retiring after his current contract with Paris St-Germain expires.
“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 a report by BBC. ”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. I’m fortunate to have realized those dreams.”
In 1991, Beckham became a trainee for United and, two years later, he signed his first professional contract. Since then, he has played for United, Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan, and PSG. He is the only English player to have won championships in four different countries.
“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,” the athlete continues. ”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.”
In addition to his upcoming charity work, Beckham will surely be getting to spend more time with his beautiful family with his Spice Girl turned designer wife, Victoria.
“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,” he adds. “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.”
Beckham will play two more games with PSG, one being this Saturday and the second on May 26.