Why did David Beckham retire from football?
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The day is finally here, David Beckham's documentary Beckham has now landed on Netflix. The four-part series gives viewers insider access to the life and career of David Beckham, told in his own words, along with interviews with many notable people from across his career.
Aside from a deep dive into his relationship with wife Victoria and their family life, much of the documentary is obviously focused on his decades long football career, from his early beginnings scoring goals for 50ps from his dad, to being England captain, to his eventual retirement.
Speaking of retirement, when and why did David retire from football? And what has he had to say about his decision to leave the sport since? Here's what you need to know.
When did David Beckham retire?
After playing professionally for 21 years, David Beckham officially retired from football in 2013. He announced the news on 16th May 2013, saying he would be hanging up his boots at the end of the French football season.
He played his final match on 18th May, as part of the Paris Saint-Germain team, and was subbed off at the 80 minute mark and received a standing ovation from fans, and support from his team mates.
During the new documentary Beckham, David described the moment he left the pitch for the last time, saying: "All of a sudden I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't control my emotions. When I finally come off, I completely lose it.
"But as much as it hurt me knowing I was never going to play football again, I knew I'd made the right decision."
Over the course of his career David played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Why did David Beckham retire?
During his new documentary Beckham, David shared with viewers why he decided to step away from the sport.
He revealed the physical impact of playing football was one of the main reasons he stopped playing the sport.
"I never thought about retirement, I wanted to play until I literally couldn't walk anymore," he said.
David went on: "I think I loved the game more than anyone has ever loved it. That's what I think. I know it's not true, but I think that I loved the game more than anyone. But I felt different. My body felt different. I was waking up after games, I felt beaten up.
"I felt every time that I was getting out of bed, I was aching, I was hurting. I'd roll out of bed in the mornings because I just was in so much pain. So coming to that decision, it was actually a really tough one."
Since retiring David hasn't stayed away from the sport, and in 2014 he announced his plans to start a new Major League Soccer team in Miami, which he is still the president and co-owner of today.
Beckham is available on Netflix now
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