Becks brought beautiful game to another level, says Neville

One of David Beckham’s best friends in football, Gary Neville, believes the retiring superstar succeeded in both transforming and transcending the sport.

Beckham yesterday confirmed he would call time on his glittering playing career after one final outing for Paris St Germain, drawing to an end one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the sport in modern times.

The 38-year-old bows out as England’s most capped outfield player, a league champion in four countries following success at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris St Germain, respectively, and also as one of the most recognisable celebrities in the world.