Baden-Baden (Germany), July 2 (DPA) David Beckham Sunday announced he was stepping down as England captain but said he wanted to continue playing for his country.
The midfielder announced his decision at a press conference, less than 24 hours after England's World Cup exit at the hands of Portugal.
Beckham said being England's captain was 'the greatest honour of my career ...and fulfilling my childhood dream'.
'Now ...I feel the time is right to pass on the captain's armband.
'I want to stress that I would like to continue playing (for England). I came to the decision a while ago. This decision has been the hardest of my life.
'I want all the players to know it has been an absolute honour.
'I have lived the dream. I am extremely proud to have been the captain of England and worn the armband and for that I will always be extremely grateful.'
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