Tributes pour in as David Beckham quits football

Beckham played in three successive World Cups for England Credit: Rolf Vennenbernd/DPA/Press Association Images

Former England captain David Beckham announced today that he will retire from football at the end of the season.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said he felt it was "the right time" to end his career after helping the French club to the Ligue 1 championship earlier this week.

Beckham's last trophy made him the first English player to win league titles in four countries, following triumphs in Spain, the USA and six times in England with Manchester United.

The former national team skipper won 115 England caps, more than any outfield player in history, and also won the Champions League with United in 1999.

In an interview with his former Man Utd team-mate Gary Neville, Beckham said he had always "wanted to go out at the top":

Tributes flooded in for Beckham from around the world of football, with fellow England great Gary Lineker hailing him as "a global superstar":

FIFA President Sepp Blatter called Beckham an "iconic figure", while former Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell hailed his role in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games:

Read: David Beckham's magic moments

England manager Roy Hodgson said he hopes Beckham stays in football after retirement:

Manchester United, the club for whom Beckham made 394 appearances, thanked the player "for the memories":

David Beckham became famous for his variety of hairstyles Credit: PA

Read: Comb it like Beckham - a look back at Becks' haircuts

Beckham made 718 professional appearances in the domestic game, winning 14 pieces of major silverware in his career:

  • Six Premier League titles (Man Utd)

  • Two FA Cups (Man Utd)

  • One Champions League (Man Utd)

  • One La Liga title (Real Madrid)

  • One Spanish Supercup (Real Madrid)

  • Two MLS Cups (LA Galaxy)

  • One Ligue 1 title (Paris Saint-Germain)

His free-kick against Greece in 2001 was voted England fans' favourite goal of all time earlier this year:

Downing Street said the footballer was a "brilliant ambassador" for the country:

The owner of Paris Saint-Germain said he hopes David Beckham will still have a role to play at the club after his retirement.

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: "We are discussing the possibilities to keep working together at Paris Saint-Germain."

With French title glory for PSG, Beckham achieved his aim of ending his career "at the top" Credit: REUTERS/Robert Pratta

Beckham's wife Victoria said the couple were now "excited about the next chapter in our lives":