“Yes, it is unusual for somebody to be honoured in this way after only being at the club for a few months, but that's the nature of modern football. ”
Beckham started his career with Manchester United and also played for Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy, winning titles with all those clubs.
Beckham has paid tribute to his former teams, his nationality, and his children by wearing a personalised pair of Adidas Predator boots.
Beckham, capped 115 times for England and the man who helped London secure the 2012 Olympics, chose the colours red, white and blue to represent the Union Jack, with the flag embossed on the heel.
As well as his children's names, the boots are also emblazoned with the significant numbers from his playing career with Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy: 7, 23 and 32.
“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country, ” Beckham said. “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.
“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. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams.”
Beckham, whose forays into fashion and marriage to a pop star wife have made him a riveting international celebrity. Beckham is now living in London with his wife Victoria, a former Spice Girls” singer, and their four children.
Beckham had already started planning for his post-playing career earlier in the season, becoming an ambassador for Chinese soccer.
“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,'' Beckham said. "I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back. ”