Sidra240
02-07-2006, 18:28
A tearful David Beckham has quit as England captain following their World Cup exit after five-and-a-half years at the helm.
The Real Madrid star announced his decision barely 12 hours after England had been dumped out of the competition on penalties by Portugal.
Beckham revealed it was "the most difficult decision of my career" and added he had taken it some time ago after consulting with his family.
Beckham was given the armband initially by caretaker boss Peter Taylor for the friendly international with Italy in Turin in November 2000.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson decided to keep Beckham in charge when he took over as coach in January 2001 and he has led his country 58 times.
Beckham read a prepared statement before leaving the stage with tears in his eyes without making any further comment.
He said: "It was the greatest honour of my career when Peter Taylor made me England captain and I fulfilled the England dream. Now I feel is the right time to pass on the armband as we enter a new era.
"I stress that I want to continue to play for England and help the new manager Steve McClaren and the new captain.
"This is the most difficult decision of my career and I came to it some time ago, but I hoped to leave on the back of a successful World Cup. Sadly it was not to be.
"After discussing it with my family, I feel the time is right. I would like to thank all the players and manager for my support as captain, the media and England supporters. For me to do this job has been an absolute honour. I am so proud I lived the dream."
The Real Madrid star announced his decision barely 12 hours after England had been dumped out of the competition on penalties by Portugal.
Beckham revealed it was "the most difficult decision of my career" and added he had taken it some time ago after consulting with his family.
Beckham was given the armband initially by caretaker boss Peter Taylor for the friendly international with Italy in Turin in November 2000.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson decided to keep Beckham in charge when he took over as coach in January 2001 and he has led his country 58 times.
Beckham read a prepared statement before leaving the stage with tears in his eyes without making any further comment.
He said: "It was the greatest honour of my career when Peter Taylor made me England captain and I fulfilled the England dream. Now I feel is the right time to pass on the armband as we enter a new era.
"I stress that I want to continue to play for England and help the new manager Steve McClaren and the new captain.
"This is the most difficult decision of my career and I came to it some time ago, but I hoped to leave on the back of a successful World Cup. Sadly it was not to be.
"After discussing it with my family, I feel the time is right. I would like to thank all the players and manager for my support as captain, the media and England supporters. For me to do this job has been an absolute honour. I am so proud I lived the dream."