David Beckham, Former Manchester United Star, Announces Retirement From Soccer At End of 2013 Season

By Jean-Paul Salamanca (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: May 16, 2013 12:08 PM EDT

Tags david beckham, david victoria beckham, david beckham 2013, david beckham hair, david beckham retires

David Beckham, one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, is ending his storied career in soccer at the end of the season.

Beckham made the announcement in a press statement Thursday.

The announcement comes on the heels of Beckham helping French club Paris Saint-Germain win the French Championship. The accomplishment made Beckham the first English soccer player to win titles with four different countries.

Beckham also won the Champions League with Manchester United as well as league titles with Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan.

"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," a statement reported on the Manchester United's website Thursday read.

"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. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams."

In his 20-year career, Beckham, 38, has captured a worldwide following as one of the most famous faces in soccer. Aside from winning accolades such as six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League, Beckham, married with four children to former Spice Girl Victoria Adams, also inspired the title to a 2002 hit comedy flick, "Bend It Like Beckham" starring Keira Knightley.

Beckham is estimated to be earning roughly $46 million a year, according to CNN via France Football Magazine.

And on the international scene, Beckham made a record 115 appearances for England's national team.

"I'm honored to represent England both on and off the pitch. ... I want to thank all my teammates, 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."