Former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham announced on Thursday that this season would be his last as a professional soccer player. Despite the offer of a one-year deal atcurrent club Paris St. Germain, the 38-year-old Englishman has decided to hang up his boots for good at the end of the French Ligue 1 season. The former England international has played in 11 gamesfor PSG since signing a six-month contract in January, helping the French giant win its first Ligue 1 trophy in 19 years.
“I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity tocontinue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” Beckham said in a statement. “If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for andwon 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 youit was a fantasy. I’m fortunate to have realized those dreams.”
During his glittering career, Beckham won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League withManchester United, one La Liga title with Real Madrid, two MLS Cups (2011, 2012) and two Supporters’ Shields (2010, 2011) with the Los Angeles Galaxy, as well as the French Ligue 1 title withParis St. Germain this year. He was also capped by England 115 times, which is a record for an outfield player.
“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining mycountry,” Beckham added. “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 caredpassionately about their country. I’m honored to represent England both on and off the pitch … I want to thank all my teammates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. Ialso want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”