Former England international David Beckham and sons Brooklyn Beckham (L), Cruz Beckham (2nd R) and Romeo Beckham (R) prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana

David Beckham and Harper Beckham are seen at Vesuvio Playground in Soho on September 10, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Alo Ceballos/FilmMagic)

'I do look back and think, "what was I thinking?"' - the couple, before they were married, wearing matching Gucci outfits

'We have created something with our children and with our family that is very special' - David and Victoria at a Emporio Armani photoshoot in 2009

Host David Beckham (R) attends David And Victoria Beckham, Along With Barneys New York, Host A Dinner To Celebrate The Victoria Beckham Collection at Fred's at Barneys

Former soccer player David Beckham and his wife, designer Victoria Beckham pose for photographers upon arrival at the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Gala exhibition

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the 60th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the London Palladium in central London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday November 30, 2014. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

David Beckham is hoping his 40th birthday celebrations will be "quite simple", but he acknowledged "you never know" what other people may have planned.

He told Fabulous magazine that he is "excited" and not worried about hitting the milestone birthday on May 2, adding: "I don't think about age and it's just a different phase of my life."

The former England captain retired from football two years ago and is now involved in a range of business ventures.

He told Fabulous: "I'm hoping (the celebrations) are going to be kept quite simple, with a nice quiet dinner with family and friends, but you never know. I don't want a big party."

The father-of-four is now regularly seen on the catwalk front row supporting his Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer wife Victoria along with their children Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12, Cruz, nine, and three-year-old Harper.

Beckham added: "The other day, I stopped to get a snack for the kids just before the school pick-up and I had a baker boy cap on so I didn't think anyone would recognise me. (But) this guy was like: 'Is that you, David? You look really old.' So that was a little bit harsh. But we laughed about it after.

"Having four kids ages you at times (and) the worry of a daughter is definitely different. But I'm very hands-on so that keeps me young, if slightly tired at times. They're my life and my biggest achievement."

PA Media