Former England captain David Beckham hailed Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as a “father figure” after the Scot announced his retirement on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old Beckham joined Manchester United’s academy and spent 17 years at the club, playing 394 games with the first team and winning six Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League under Ferguson.
“He was also a father figure to me from the moment I arrived at the club at the age of 11 until the day I left. Without him I would never have achieved what I have done in my career.”
Beckham’s relationship with Ferguson had a bitter end with the midfielder moving to Real Madrid in 2003, a few months after the manager had kicked a boot that hit him in the face.
Beckham, however, said he was grateful for the support Ferguson gave him when he came under fire following his 1998 World Cup quarter-final dismissal against Argentina, considered a factor in England’s elimination.
