Beckham to receive UEFA President’s award

Former England captain David Beckham is to receive the 2018 UEFA President’ s Award in honour of his achievements in the game and his work since retiring as a player , European football ’ s governing body said it today,National Daily learnt.

The ex -Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder , who is now 43, will receive the award in Monaco later this year .

“ I have chosen David Beckham as the recipient of this year ’ s award because he has been a global ambassador for football , promoting the game and all its values in every corner of the planet, ” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin .

“ His tireless humanitarian efforts , which have helped the lives of many children around the world , should also be celebrated. Beckham is a true football icon of his generation . ”

Beckham won the Champions League with United in 1999 and later played for Los Angeles Galaxy , AC Milan and Paris Saint- Germain after leaving Madrid .

He hung up his boots in 2013 and earlier this year was awarded an MLS franchise in Miami .

“ During my career I always gave 100 percent and tried to uphold the values of teamwork and fair play and I am proud to join the illustrious list of players who have previously won this award, ” said Beckham , who is now involved in charity work with UNICEF, the UN Children ’ s Fund .

“ Many of the unforgettable moments I had on the pitch came in the UEFA Champions League such as that magic night in Barcelona in 1999 when we beat Bayern Munich in such dramatic fashion.”

Last year ’ s UEFA President’ s Award was given to former Italy star Francesco Totti . Other recent winners include Franz Beckenbauer and the late Johan Cruyff ,National Daily gathered