19 May 2013

Tearful Beckham bids farewell to Paris

3:33 pm on 19 May 2013

David Beckham bade a tearful farewell to Paris this morning as the former England football star made his final home appearance for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain before heading into retirement.

Last week, Beckham, 38, had helped PSG to their first league title since 1994 with a win over Lyon, and then announced he would retire at the end of the season having captured a championship in a fourth different league after England, Spain and the United States.

Beckham was in tears when he was substituted 10 minutes from the end of the 3-1 victory over relegated Brest.

When he left the pitch, he was warmly embraced by all of his teammates while the crowd accorded him a standing ovation.

PSG have one more game to play, at Lorient next weekend, but today seems likely to be the last match for the former England skipper.

Beckham was made captain for the night for his farewell performance by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

On the pitch, Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice.

Beckham had a hand in the other PSG goal, his corner finding Blaise Matuidi as the former Manchester United star signed off with an assist while Charlison Benschop replied for Brest.