David beakham on his memorial retirement.

David Beckham burst into floods of tears as he played his final ever game as a professional footballer in Paris this evening.

The 38-year-old was given the honour of captaining Paris St Germain during their final home game of the season against Brest and paid an emotional farewell as he brought the curtain down on a career spanning more than 20 years.

With his wife Victoria and their four children Romeo, Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper, watching from the stand, Beckham was given a standing ovation by players and fans from both sides as he left the pitch to be substituted in the second half.
A visibly upset Beckham was inconsolable as he left the field on 81 minutes.

The game came to an impromptu halt as PSG players surrounded him and hugged the former England captain by one before he walked off.

Addressing PSG fans after collecting a winners medal, Beckham said: 'I want to say thank you to everybody in Paris - to my team-mates, to the staff, to the fans.

'It's been very special to finish my career here. It could not have been any more special.

'I just feel that it's the right time [to retire]. I feel that I've achieved everything that I could in my career. I wanted to go out as a champion. I've finished my career in a team that has treated me like I've been here for 10 years.

'After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family.'

Beckham had looked emotional before the game, waving to the crowds and blowing kisses to his fans during the warm up for his final match.

As his name was read out over the stadium's speaker system, PSG fans gave out a huge cheer and continued to chant 'Stay David, Stay' throughout the match.

Despite playing just 460 minutes of football for PSG, the massively wealthy club wanted to honour Beckham for the publicity he has brought them around the world - making him captain for one night only.

Before kick off, Beckham and his teammates wore t-shirts in tribute to the club's nutritionist Nick Broad who died in a car crash earlier this year.

In his final outing, the midfielder enjoyed a fine game, spraying some of his trademark 50-yard passes around the pitch before assisting a goal from a corner as PSG went 3-0 up before half time.

The team, who have already been crowned champions of Ligue 1, won the game 3-1.

After the game Beckham was tossed in the air by his teammates in the centre of the pitch as the retirement celebrations began.

'We are proud to have him as our captain, even if it is for only one game,' said season ticket holder Jacques Declerc.

'Yes, it is unusual for somebody to be honoured in this way after only being at the club for a few months, but that's the nature of modern football.'

It was initially thought Beckham would bow out in an away game next week, but he made it clear he wanted to finish his career in Paris.

Wearing a leather biker jacket and leopard print heels, Victoria was pictured hopping into a waiting limousine with the rest of the family earlier this evening.