David Beckham: A career in numbers

Beckham is the only Englishman to have won league titles in four different countries and hangs up his boots having made a huge impact on the game.

The midfielder's off-pitch activities have often stolen the limelight but he was also a player of real substance throughout his career.

Beckham won six league titles at Manchester United, as well as the Champions League in 1999 and two FA Cups.

He claimed La Liga glory with Real Madrid in 2007 and also won the MLS Cuip twice with LA Galaxy before helping PSG to the Ligue 1 title this season.

Opta's stats show that over his entire league career, Beckham made 534 appearances at the top level, with a win percentage of 57.5 per cent.

The full breakdown of his league career, minus a brief spell at Preston North End, can be found below:

Beckham also represented four different clubs in the Champions League, winning the competition with Manchester United in the Treble campaign of 1998-99.

His international exploits were also legendary - even if tangible success eluded both Beckham and England during his time with the national side.

From the lows of his red card against Argentina, and initial exile from the squad under Steve McClaren, to his famous free-kicks, especially against Greece, Beckham was always front and centre for England.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country," Beckham said in his statement.

"I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.

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

His England record (right) bears scrutiny with the very best.