Beckham: I considered quitting as problems mounted

David Beckham considered quitting soccer for good as his fortunes nosedived at Manchester United, it was reported today.

The England captain told the Sun newspaper: “I actually did discuss retiring with Victoria. There were all sorts of things going on in my life at this time - Romeo had just been born, my parents were divorcing, there was the relationship with the manager and the kidnap threats.

“I wasn’t happy with the way things were. I wasn’t happy going into work every day and I think that contributed to me thinking about that decision.”

He further revealed that former boss Alex Ferguson may have disapproved of both his wife and lifestyle.

Beckham told the newspaper: “Any time there was a problem with me, my private life was brought up and the way I lived my life.”

The Real Madrid star insisted that despite his rise to worldwide fame, he had not changed as a person.

The Englishman had always been expected to finish his career at Manchester United after helping the club secure a host of major trophies.

But his relationship with the manager soured over the last two years, with Beckham being dropped for key games in his last season with the club.