Global superstar David Beckham to retire

    End it like Beckham. One of the most iconic football stars of his
generation, David Beckham is to retire at the end of the season to bring down the curtain on a glittering career.
    As well as winning over 100 caps for his England and lifting 19 trophies in two different continents, it was his ability to maximize the power of the "Beckham brand" that allowed the footballer to transcend his sport and appeal to a worldwide mass audience.
    Beckham's marriage to former Spice Girl and fashion designer, Victoria, probably helped as well "Brand Beckham is dead, long live Brand Beckham!" sports business expert Simon Chadwick told CNN. "Beckham's transition from athlete commodity to
sporting statesman and entrepreneur is now complete."
This year, Beckham became the first ever sportsman from outside
of China to be invited to become the ambassador for the sport in
the country.
He is estimated to be Britain's wealthiest sportsman, earning in
excess of $46 million a year, according to France Football magazine.
"I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my
family," said Beckham in a statement. "I'm grateful for my parents'
sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams.
"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's decision to retire comes days after the 38-year-old won
his latest title with French club Paris Saint-Germain.
"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," added Beckham.
The Englishman, who won the Champions League with Manchester
United in 1999, also won league titles with Real Madrid and Los
Angeles Galaxy before arriving in the French capital earlier this year
after signing a short-term contract.
"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," said Beckham.
"I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams."
Despite playing for some of the world's top clubs, Beckham singled out
captaining his country as one of his "proudest achievements".
"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," said Beckham, who won 115 caps for
England.
"I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch. I want to thank
all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning
from.
"I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and
given me the strength to succeed.''
Beckham had the chance to join PSG in January 2012, but opted to
stay in the U.S., ending his American mission with his second MLS
Cup title before announcing that he would not fulfill the second
year of his contract extension.
"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," said Beckham.
"I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout
my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."
Many of Beckham's former teammates and managers spoke of the
positive impact his professionalism had on the clubs he played for.
"He was a great teammate and a role model for young players,"
said LA Galaxy Bruce Arena. "He had achieved so much, but wanted to keep on. But former PSG winger David Ginola told CNN that he had had a conversation
with Beckham a few weeks ago when the Englishman confided he had begun
to question his fitness to play at the highest level.
Not that Beckham's playing career is quite over -- yet.
French Champions PSG's last two games are against Brest at the Parc des
Princes in the French capital on Saturday and at Lorient the following Sunday.
    Meanwhile on Twitter, messages of congratulations poured in from some of his
former teammates and clubs and even politicians.
    "Best wishes as David #BeckhamRetires His magical free kicks for @MUFC and
England will live long in the memory of all football fans," tweeted British Prime Minister David Cameron.