David Beckham retires: The reaction on Twitter

The former England captain has announced he will stop playing at the end of the season

(AFP/Getty Images)

David Beckham's announcement that he is to retire at the end of the season sparked a stream of tributes both from inside and outside football.

Here, we take a look at how his fellow professionals and others greeted the news.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter: "David Beckham, one of the most iconic figures in global football is retiring from playing. It's the end of a chapter of an amazing story. David grew up as a football-loving child & achieved his dreams, and unquestionably inspired millions of boys & girls to try & do the same. Whatever he chooses to do next I'm sure he'll approach with the same dedication & good grace he displayed the last 21 years. Good Luck!"

Former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris: "He probably got more women interested in football than any other player too..can't quite put my finger on why though??", and "What people forget about that Greece game (because of his great last minute free kick) was what a top top performance Becks gave for 90+mins."

BBC Eastenders official account: #Becks is retiring from football. Come back home to East London mate, Alfie's got a pint lined up at The Vic for ya."

West Brom defender Steven Reid: "Feel sorry for anybody else retiring this summer #Fergie #Becks #Scholes .. Follow them 3."Newcastle and former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson: "David Beckham retiring. What a player, what a guy. No one in the game will ever do what he's done. The guy's a 1 off."

Leyton Orient FC: "Already had a few phone calls but to clear things up Beckham's last game is against FC Lorient not us."

Piers Morgan: "Calm down, everyone. Beckham retired five years ago,", and "Beckham's a great guy, but he's not even the best United legend to retire this week. #Scholes."

West Ham striker Carlton Cole: "So Becks Retires at the end of the season, he's had an illustrious career winning many honours on the way! #legend."

Former Newcastle defender Warren Barton: "Well done Sir David good luck.!! Top player.. Great man.!!"

Former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville: "David Beckham = Amazing Career. He just loved playing football. Congratulations and a pleasure to be a team mate!"

Neil Fairbother, former Lancashire and England batsman: "David Beckham-outstanding footballing career, great sporting ambassador, congratulations!!"

Comedian Al Murray: "Beckham quitting to spend more time in his underpants #notnews."

Former England rugby union international Will Greenwood: "Beckham. That goal from inside his half. Arms aloft. Smiling. Iconic moment. The first time I saw the great man."

Former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel, a team-mate of Beckham at Old Trafford, said on his Twitter account: "David Beckham is one of the hardest-working players I've ever played with. For all his activities outside football he always performed to the highest standard. He is one of the greates (sic) ambassadors for football and I hope he stays with the game. I wish him, Victoria and their 4 kids all the best."

The legendary Pele: "Football has lost a very good player. David Beckham, may you enjoy life after football and spend great time with your family."