David Beckham bade a tearful farewell to Paris on Saturday as the former England star made his final home appearance for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain before heading into retirement.
Last week, Beckham, 38, had helped PSG to their first league title since 1994 with a win over Lyon, and then announced he would retire at the end of the season having captured a championship in a fourth different league after England, Spain and the United States.
"Thanks to everyone in Paris, to all of my teammates, the staff and fans," said Beckham, who was in floods of tears when he was substituted 10 minutes from the end of the 3-1 victory over relegated Brest.
"It's been very special to finish my career here."
PSG have one more game to play -- at Lorient next weekend -- but Saturday seems likely to be the last match for the former England skipper.
"Up to the coach but basically, I think that will be the last match for him," PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi told the BBC.
Beckham was made captain for the night for his farewell performance by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
When he left the pitch, he was warmly embraced by all of his teammates while the crowd accorded him a standing ovation.
When he reappeared for the presentation of the Ligue 1 trophy, he was draped in an English flag as a giant video screen paid a tribute which concluded with the words, 'Thank you, David'.
"I now want to enjoy time with my family. I have all the memories I need.
"Paris has always been one of the world's most beautiful places for me. I am very sad to be leaving."
Appropriately, 'Spice Boy' Beckham was serenaded by the Beatles' hit 'Hello, Goodbye' as a spectacular laser show pierced the Parc des Princes night.
On the pitch, Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice.
Beckham had a hand in the other PSG goal, his corner finding Blaise Matuidi as the former Manchester United star signed off with an assist while Charlison Benschop replied for Brest.
When Ancelotti withdrew him with 10 minutes remaining, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy star, watched by wife Victoria and his parents, was in tears.
Beckham may only have made barely a dozen appearances for PSG since joining on loan in January, yet his presence has spurred the club on, as well as giving the French game a huge shot in the arm in terms of publicity.
Elsewhere on Saturday, the kind of publicity the French game does not need again surfaced just a week after celebrations marking PSG's title success degenerated into violence which forced the cancellation of a gala dinner in the capital.
This time it was Lyon and Marseille fans who clashed in disturbances which left 16 people injured.
Lyon decried the troublemakers after "serious incidents" during the afternoon before Marseille's game in nearby Saint Etienne.
Lyon indicated on their official website that the club would seek to take legal action "in view of the seriousness of what has happened and the injuries."
The club added it appeared that supporters had clashed after hardcore fans of the club made their way back home after their match with Nice was postponed because of bad weather.
The Paris violence a week earlier saw group of troublemakers fight running battles with police in disturbances which left several people injured and 47 people arrested.
On the field, Marseille, already guaranteed runners-up spot, had nothing to celebrate either as they lost 2-0 at Saint Etienne which left the latter in fourth spot, a point behind Lyon, after a winless run of three games.
With their extra game at Nice still in hand, Lyon will still expect to hold onto third place and thereby clinch a Champions League qualifying round berth.
Saint Etienne, who saw off Marseille with first-half goals from Loic Perrin and Brandao, are guaranteed a Europa League berth at worst having lifted the League Cup.
Elsewhere, Nancy are relegated after going down 2-1 at home to Bastia while Troyes are still alive after beating Bordeaux 1-0 meaning they can still just catch Sochaux and Ajaccio although their poor goal difference means they will unlikely overhaul Evian, also three points clear with one round of games remaining.
AFP
Sat May 18 2013
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.