Soccer: Beckham wants to stay at United

David Beckham has denied reports that he is seeking a move away from Manchester United.

The England captain also insisted that both he and his wife Victoria regard Manchester as their home.

Beckham said: "Let me make it clear, I still love Manchester United, I have been at the club since I was 16.

"Manchester is where I grew up as a footballer playing for the best manager and the best club in the world.

"I have lived in the city for 10 years, I regard it as my home now and so does my wife. If she goes off working somewhere she will always return to Manchester.

"For some reason, people think I live in London, I don’t. I wouldn’t be so effective as a player if I was commuting back and forth to Manchester as it is often alleged."

Beckham also revealed negotiations have begun on a new contract at Old Trafford and that both he and the rest of the squad plan a retirement present for manager Alex Ferguson - the Champions League trophy.

"The new contract will be the most important of my career so far and I’m not going to rush into signing it," he said.

"Talks began before the Cup final and are still at an early stage."

He added: "We would love to see Alex stay on, but we respect his decision to call it a day when he feels the time is right.

"I can think of no better finish for him than to win the European Cup in his native Glasgow, in his last game as manager."