It was an emotional weekend for David Beckham and for fans all over the world, as the soccer star played his last home game for Paris Saint-Germain after announcing last Thursday he was retiring at the end of the season.
"I just feel that it's the right time. I feel that I've achieved everything that I could in my career. I wanted to go out as a champion," Beckham said. "I've finished my career in a team that has treated me like I've been here for 10 years."
It was the 81st minute of the game last Sunday, and PSG was winning 3-1 over Brest, when Coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to substitute Beckham, who was given the honor of captaining Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since joining in January.
The crowd - including former President Nicolas Sarkozy - rose to its feet and cheered Beckham as he applauded in return and walked off the pitch before being replaced by Ezequiel Lavezzi. David's wife Victoria got emotional too, shedding a few tears when her husband waved goodbye to the fans.
"I want to say thank you to everybody in Paris. To my teammates, to the staff, to the fans," Beckham said after the game. "It's been very special to finish my career here. It could not have been any more special."
"After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family," Beckham said, before adding that he still wants to stay involved with PSG. "It's been a very special place for me."
After the final whistle, his teammates hoisted Beckham off the ground and repeatedly tossed him up in the air, putting a smile back on his face.
"Merci, Paris," Beckham said. "I'm very sad to be leaving, but thank you."
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