London, Aug 30: David Beckham came close to packing in football as his life changed rapidly and things started to sour at Manchester United, the Real Madrid player has said. Beckham told the sun newspaper: "I actually did discuss retiring with (his wife) Victoria."

"There were all sorts of things going on in my life at this time - Romeo had just been born, my parents were divorcing, there was the relationship with the manager and the kidnap threats.
"I wasn't happy with the way things were. I wasn't happy going into work every day and I think that contributed to me thinking about that decision."

Beckham, who plays his first game for his new side in Spain this weekend further revealed that former boss Alex Ferguson may have disapproved of both his wife and lifestyle.

"Any time there was a problem with me, my private life was brought up and the way I lived my life," he said.
The Real Madrid star insisted that despite his rise to worldwide fame, he had not changed as a person.

The England captain had always been expected to finish his career at Manchester United after helping the club secure a host of major trophies.

But his relationship with the manager soured over the last two years, with Beckham being dropped for key games in his last season with the club.

Bureau Report