One of the finest soccer players of all time has set a time table for his departure from the game. International sports superstar David Beckham has stated that he will soon hang up his cleats for the final time.

Beckham, who has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the Los Angeles Galazy before being bought by Paris Saint-Germain this year, announced on Thursday that he will retire at the end of the France's Ligue 1 season, which is in two more games on May 26th.

"If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy,'' Beckham said. "I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams.''

Beckham became an legendary figure in the sport with his prominence as a key member of a dominating Manchester United squad during the late 1990's. His international play for his home country of England also brought Beckham much of his fame, as he tallied 115 appearances for the Three Lions during his career.

"He is an iconic figure in the game and produced wonderful performances for his clubs, particularly Manchester United," Football Association chairman David Bernstein said. "When you look at his playing and work for England, no one would ever accuse him of being unpatriotic and not giving everything for his country. He is a real loss to the game and I am sure the FA will want to embrace him and to get him closely associated with the organization."

In total, Beckham played for six different clubs during his time as a professional soccer player, scoring 129 goals during that time. As much as he was known for his world-class play however, he made just as big of a name for himself off the field as well.

He became a household name upon his marriage to Spice Girl Victoria Beckham ("Posh Spice") in 1998. Most anyone who didn't know about the footballer by then became aware of Beckham after the 2002 British comedy "Bend It Like Beckham" received world-wide attention. He also also posed for numerous modeling shoots and ad campaigns.

"Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead," Beckham said. "I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."