David Beckham is retiring from soccer, ending a career in which he became a global superstar who transcended the sport. He burst into floods of tears as he played his final ever game as a professional footballer in Paris.
The 38-year-old was given the honour of captaining Paris St Germain during their final home game of the season against Brest and paid an emotional farewell as he brought the curtain down on a career spanning more than 20 years.
With his wife Victoria and their four children Romeo, Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper, watching from the stand, Beckham was given a standing ovation by players and fans from both sides as he left the pitch to be substituted in the second half.
A visibly upset Beckham was inconsolable as he left the field on 81 minutes.
The game came to an impromptu halt as PSG players surrounded him and hugged the former England captain by one before he walked off.
Addressing PSG fans after collecting a winners medal, Beckham said: “I want to say thank you to everybody in Paris— to my team-mates, to the staff, to the fans.
“It's been very special to finish my career here. It could not have been any more special.
“I just feel that it's the right time [to retire]. I feel that I've achieved everything that I could in my career. I wanted to go out as a champion. I've finished my career in a team that has treated me like I’ve been here for 10 years.
“After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family.”
In his final outing , the midfielder enjoyed a fine game, spraying some of his trademark 50-yard passes around the pitch before assisting a goal from a corner as PSG went 3-0 up before half time.
The team, who have already been crowned champions of Ligue 1, won the game 3-1.
After the game Beckham was tossed in the air by his teammates in the centre of the pitch as the retirement celebrations began.