David Beckham Retires From Football

David Beckham has announced his retirement from professional football.

Beckham announced he was leaving LA Galaxy in November 2012. He said he was not retiring but "wanted to experience one last challenge" before the end of his playing career.

This statue on New York's 5th Avenue was part of a publicity stunt for fashion retailer H&M. His underwear range launched in February 2012.

Beckham played a starring role in London 2012, bringing the torch down the River Thames in a speedboat to the Olympic Stadium.

In May 2010, David Beckham travelled to Afghanistan to meet British troops based in Helmand Province.

In 2007, Beckham switched from Real Madrid to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy. His five-year contract with the US club was reportedly worth more than $32m (£19m).

David Beckham switched from Manchester United to Real Madrid in June 2003. The Spanish side paid more than £24m for the midfielder.

The player's rapidly growing fame became an increasing source of friction with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The pair's relationship reached breaking point after a boot kicked by Ferguson in anger - following United's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in February 2003 - hit Beckham above the eye, causing a cut that needed two butterfly stitches.

One of his most important strikes came during injury time in England's World Cup qualification match against Greece in 2001 at Old Trafford, Manchester, with a trademark free kick that secured the necessary draw.

He scored 17 goals during his time with the national side, including a free kick against Ecuador during the 2005 World Cup in Germany. He captained the team 58 times.

Beckham won six Premier League titles during his 10 years at Manchester United - and the Champions League in 1999.

Beckham celebrates arguably the pinnacle of his career in the moments after United's dramatic last-gasp victory against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

But he achieved national notoriety in 1998, when he was sent off for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone after being fouled.

David Beckham's England career began in September 1996 with a 3-0 win against Moldova.

A number of Beckham's teammates from United's famous 'Class of '92' youth team - including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville - went on to join him as a established first team members at the club. Here they celebrate the 1997 Premiership title, with others including Roy Keane and Eric Cantona.

Having come through United's youth set up together, Beckham established a friendship with Gary Neville - who would go on to be the best man at his wedding. They are pictured here during the club's 1996 Premiership celebration parade.

After making his debut for Manchester United in 1993, before a loan spell at Preston North End during the 1994/95 season, Beckham announced himself to the world with a goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon on the opening day of the season in 1996.