David Beckham Announces Retirement

Falling Afoul of Fergie
Beckham's Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had mentioned his concerns about his star player being swayed by the celebrity lifestyle. So it was no real shock that he was eventually transferred. But the manner of the somewhat sudden move startled the soccer world. The story goes that, following a defeat to London side Arsenal, a furious Ferguson threw or kicked a boot that (accidently) struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches. Beckham certainly stoked the situation by being photographed with the cut in full view, and it was thought that there was no way back for the pair's rocky relationship ...

• David Beckham's England Career Is Over