David Beckham has announced his retirement from football.

The multi-millionaire icon was born in Leytonstone before moving to Chingford as a young boy and has just helped French side Paris St Germain to their first league title in 19 years.

The former England captain and Manchester United midfielder started playing for Ridgeway Rovers as a boy in Chingford.

He also bought his first United kit from Rowe Sports in New Road, Chingford, when he visited the shop for sports equipment with his father.

He has made fleeting return visits to the area, where his parents still live, and in January 2012 former Rowe Sports owner Matt Richards was shocked to see him come in to buy a football kit for one of his sons.

Waltham Forest Council decided to grant the ex-England midfielder the freedom of the borough last summer but has not yet managed to set up a date for Beckham to attend a ceremony.

He is reportedley to settle down in London with wife Victoria and children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.