David Beckham Announces Retirement

Rapturous Reception
In March 2010, Beckham made his highly emotional return to Old Trafford for a Champions League game with Milan. Despite his being on the losing side, his gesture at the end of the match, of wearing a green-and-gold scarf, made headlines around the world. The colors have been adopted by Manchester United fans unhappy with the Glazer family's ownership of the club. Beckham maintains he wasn't aware of the politics, but for campaigners, it's been seen as a considerable coup.

• David Beckham's England Career Is Over