Paris Saint-Germain’s David Beckham is tossed in the air by teammates after what was the English midfielder’s last home game at Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday. (AFP)
Reuters/Paris
A capacity crowd chanting his name, the Eiffel Tower in the background: even by his own glamorous standards, David Beckham got a special send-off on Saturday as he headed into retirement with another title in the bag.
“Tonight was a nice way to go out, in front of my family and in front of the capacity crowd who were excited because we won the league,” the 38-year-old former England captain told reporters after his 10th and probably final Ligue 1 appearance.
“The celebrations were incredible so it’s a nice way to walk off the pitch,” he added, having wiped away a few tears when he was substituted in the 81st minute of a 3-1 win against Stade Brest at the Parc des Princes.
“It started 20 minutes before, the emotion started kicking in; it was hard to run, let alone kick a ball,” said Beckham who was made captain for the game.
“It was an emotional night, to see the reaction of the players, to see the reaction of the fans when I came off was special.
“I did feel good (physically) but I know it’s the right time,” added Beckham, the only English players to have won league titles in four countries - England, Spain, United States and France.
PSG, who sealed their first league title since 1994 last weekend with a 1-0 win at Olympique Lyon, still have one game to play, next Sunday at Lorient.
Beckham, who announced he was retiring on Thursday, is highly unlikely to play on the Brittany side’s artificial pitch, though.
“We have to decide, but I don’t think he will play. He will come with the team but I don’t think he will play,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. “A plastic pitch is difficult for a 38-year-old.”
Beckham, who set up two goals in his 10 league appearances for PSG, said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, and four children.
“After 22 years of playing football I’m going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family,” Beckham said.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player could still be involved with PSG in some capacity.
Club president Nasser al-Khelaifi said earlier this week that he would have discussions with Beckham in the coming days.
“It’s been a very special place for me,” Beckham said. “I have finished my career at a team who have treated me like I’ve been here for 10 years.”
Ancelotti mulls future, praises Beckham
Paris: As Carlo Ancelotti paid fulsome tribute to the retiring David Beckham the Paris Saint Germain manager revealed an announcement on his own future may be imminent.
The Italian’s name has been strongly linked to taking over the reins at Real Madrid if, as has been widely documented, Jose Mourinho leaves the Bernabeu for a second stint at Chelsea.
Ancelotti revealed he would be discussing his plans with PSG’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi. “In the next few days we’ll be meeting to talk about the future,” revealed Ancelotti after Beckham’s emotional final home game for the French champions at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night.
The former Chelsea, AC Milan and Juventus manager is under contract with PSG until 2014, but has been courted by Real as successor to Mourinho.
He added: “If everything is clear we’ll be in a position to announce the news without any problem.
“As for now, I’m not thinking about it, I’m concentrating on celebrating the league title. When the party is over we’re going to think about the future.”
Last week Ancelotti, who has steered PSG to their first league title in 19 years, rated his chances of staying at the Ligue1 club as “50-50”.
“Everyone knows my situation: I’ve got a contract with PSG (until 2014). If I want to leave the club I’ve got to talk to the club. I do things properly and always have done,” he stated.
On Saturday, Ancelotti handed Beckham the captain’s armband for his Parc des Princes swansong - the 38-year-old’s ageing joints are unlikely to be let loose on Lorient’s artificial pitch in PSG’s closing game next weekend.
Reflecting on that decision the PSG boss said: “It was the right thing to do to choose Beckham as captain for his last match. All the players backed the decision. Beckham will have a lovely memory of this night.”