Beckham to Retire After Paris Saint Germain's Final Game
Football superstar David Beckham is retiring at the end of the season on May 26, according to a statement released yesterday.
"It's a good way to go out," he said in Paris. "It's every athlete's dream, every footballer's dream to go out on the top- on top form or winning a trophy ... leaving as a champion."
The 38-year-old athlete started his career with Manchester United, then went to Real Madrid before coming to the U.S. to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy and finally ending off with a championship for Paris Saint-Germain.
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''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 told The Associated Press.
He has won a championship with every team he's played for, and holds the English record for making 115 appearances for their national 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,'' Beckham told Sports Illustrated. "I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams.''
Beckham holds the time he spent with England as some of the proudest and best moments of his career.
"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country,'' SportsIllustrated reported. "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.''
One of the keys to Beckham's superstardom is his personal life.
Marrying Victoria Beckham of British pop group Spice Girls fame, the two instantly became a power couple that were known for their sensible styles in fashion and lifestyle.
"I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realize my dreams,'' he said. "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 has been immortalized in many facets including 2002's "Bend It Like a Beckham," a movie in which a girl draws strength and inspiration from the soccer player to make her team.
