Dette sa Beckham

DAVID BECKHAM:

David Beckham. (Foto: E.Keogh, Reuters)

"I would just like to say I have a brief statement I'd like to read out and if you could leave it at that for me I'd be very happy, if you would bear with me as I wrote this late last night.

"On November 15, 2000 Peter Taylor gave me the greatest honour of my career of making me the captain of England fulfilling my childhood dream.

"Now almost six years later after being captain for 58 of my 95 caps I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter in a new era under Steve McClaren.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country and I want to stress that I wish to continue to play for England and look forward to helping both the new captain and Steve McClaren in any way I can.

"I came to this decision some time ago but I had hoped to annnounce it on the back of a successful World Cup. Sadly that wasn't to be.

"This decison has been the most difficult of my career to date. But after discussing it with my family and those closest to me I feel the time is right.

"Our performance during this World Cup has not been enough to progress further and both myself and all the players regret that and are hurt by that more than people realise.

"I wish to thank all the players for their supprt during my time as captain, as well as Peter Taylor, Sven and all the coaches.

"I would also like to thank the press and of course all the England supporters who have both been great to me and my teammates. I want them to know for me it has been an absolute honour.

"Finally, I have lived the dream, I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that I will also be grateful."