Sunday, May 19, 2013

Beckham family bid farewell to football: David joins sons on pitch to say tearful goodbye to beautiful game as Posh and Harper watch

By MATT LAWLESS, PETER ALLEN IN PARIS and STEVE ROBSON

Tearful goodbye: A hugely emotional David Beckham wept as he left the pitch during his final game as a professional footballer

David Beckham burst into floods of tears as he played his final ever game as a professional footballer in Paris this evening.
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.

Heartbreak: Beckham hugs teammate Lucas before leaving the pitch at the Parc des Princes in Paris

Respect: Beckham was given a standing ovation by players from both sides and fans as he left the field

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.

Farewell: The former England captain waves goodbye to fans after 20 years in the game

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.

Afterparty: The celebrations began as Beckham was tossed in the air by his teammates after the game

'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.'

Celebration: Beckham lifts the Ligue 1 trophy with an England flag draped around his neck

Before kick off, Beckham and his teammates wore t-shirts in tribute to the club's nutritionist Nick Broad who died in a car crash earlier this year.
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.

Proud father: Beckham leads his sons Romeo and Cruz around the pitch in a lap of honour

Ending on a high: Beckham finished his career having won the league title with Paris St Germain

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.
'We are proud to have him as our captain, even if it is for only one game,' said season ticket holder Jacques Declerc.

A born winner: The former England captain poses with his sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz as his retirement celebrations begin

'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.'

Onto pastures new: Beckham walks away following the medal ceremony to start the next chapter in his life away from football

Fond farewell: Victoria holds daughter Harper as they cheer on David Beckham during his final game in Paris

End of an era: Victoria and the couple's baby daughter Harper took pride of place in the stands as they watched David

Inconsolable: A visibly upset Beckham hugged his teammates one by one before leaving the pitch

Fan favourite: A PSG supporter holds up a sign in support of David Beckham during his last game

Last outing: Beckham will wear these boots for the clash against Brest on Saturday night

Customised: The boots feature Becks' children's names and the numbers from his shirts over the year









source: dailymail

No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular Posts