David Beckham announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday and the declaration was not lost on players from all corners of the globe.
The 38-year old will end a fantastic career this summer which took in successful spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.
Below are a host of players praising Beckham for a remarkable playing career which brought about six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, one La Liga triumph, two MLS Cups and a French Ligue 1 title among other pieces of silverware.
Our favourite Twitter contributor Joey Barton kicks us off with plenty of kind words for the retiring veteran.
Just came off the golf course to hear about David Beckham's retirement from football. Having played against him this season, I feel he... — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 16, 2013
...is never given the credit he deserves as a competitor. Everybody talks about the brand but let me tell you, first an foremost, he is... — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 16, 2013
..a very good footballer. A great ambassador for British football. Retires at the top. Fairplay to him. Wish him every success in the future — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 16, 2013
Ex-United teammate Gary Neville wrote the following.
David Beckham= Amazing Career . He just loved playing football. Congratulations and a pleasure to be a team mate! twitter.com/GNev2/status/3 — G.Neville (@GNev2) May 16, 2013
Whilst Phil Neville added.
David Beckham-what an unbelievable career-4 titles in 4 countries over 100 caps for eng and the best ambassador this countries has had! — phil neville18 (@fizzer18) May 16, 2013
Another former Old Trafford ace, Andy Cole wrote.
Superstar has called time on his career .. We're do I start , class player genuine guy legend of a footballer, wish you all the best.
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) May 16, 2013
Australia skipper Lucas Neill.
Congrats to David Beckham on an amazing career. True legend of the game!! #hero — Lucas Neill (@LucasNeill) May 17, 2013
Anderlecht and USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan.
Shout out to the man David Beckham on an incredible career. Class act and a great player. — Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) May 16, 2013
Arsenal youngster Sanchez Watt.
#DavidBeckham is the man!!! #Legend — SWAZZY (@sanchezwatt) May 16, 2013
Wellington Phoenix's Toronto FC loanee Jeremy Brockie.
My idol growing up announced his retirement today! What a career he has had! What a player! #beckham — Jeremy Brockie (@JRBrockie) May 16, 2013
Sporting Kansas City's Kei Kamara, who recently had a spell with Norwich City, was grateful for Beckham's contribution to MLS.
David Beckham I salute you. Thank you for making the world recognize MLS.Ps. "I still didn't get your jersey." — KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) May 16, 2013
Former LA Galaxy teammate Omar Gonzalez.
Shout out to my former teammate and friend, David Beckham! Enjoy retirement. You deserve it. Playing with you was an honor. #legend
— Omar Gonzalez (@Omar4Gonzalez) May 16, 2013
Ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel.
Wishing you all the very best mate, in whatever lies ahead for you in the future classact #BeckhamRetires — Juan Pablo Angel (@JUANPABLOANGEL) May 16, 2013
