Following the announcement that David Beckham will retire from football at the end of this season; adidas have released the following statement.

An adidas spokesperson said: “On behalf of adidas we would like to congratulate David Beckham on what has been a glittering career in football. He has won titles for every team he has played for, playing a key role on every occasion. He was a loved and adored captain of his country, a position he relished and thrived upon. For us at adidas David was one our most celebrated icons and has been one of the faces of this brand since 1996, playing a fundamental role in our work on football, the London Olympic games, training and Style business, to name just a few.”

“Away from his work with us David has proven himself to be an exemplary human being and a fantastic role model. His humanitarian work with countless charities has been awe-inspiring and over the years we have seen him develop from a sporting icon to a truly inspirational role model. All the while he has conducted himself in a humble, warm, accommodating and moral fashion.”

“There are a huge variety of ways in which David Beckham can be remembered. At adidas we think he should be remembered as a truly world class footballer, who took his talent way beyond the game itself to earn a place in sporting history. Everyone at adidas wishes David and his family the very best and, of course, we will continue our close relationship with him in his future pursuits.”

(adidas Press Release)