Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has admitted he had previously been interested in signing the midfielder but could not afford to pay his wages at the time. Beckham, 38, who announced his retirement on Thursday, has had spells training with Arsenal but never played for the Gunners.

"I have a huge respect for his passion for the game, his huge commitment, his mental strengths because he was under a lot of pressure throughout his career, and his dedication. I think that is where he is an example," Wenger said.

Asked if he had ever been interested in signing him, Wenger said: "Yes I was, but it was at the period where we could not afford to pay him. After that it was a question mark as well before he went to Milan, but he was in a position where we did not really need players.

"It was always a pleasure to have him here for his attitude and behaviour, he gained respect from everybody through his dedication and commitment. What remains in your memory is his genuine commitment and dedication, his natural humility which he always had, that will stay forever. You forget sometimes if he has won this championship or that championship, but you never forget how he behaved, and that is a credit to him."