David Beckham’s illustrious professional career has officially come to a close after he was left out of the Paris St Germain squad to play Lorient at the Stade du Moustoir today on the final weekend of the French season.

The 38-year-old tearfully walked off the Parc des Princes pitch to a tremendous reception from both his team-mates and the crowd after being substituted in the 3-1 win over Brest last week, when the Parisians celebrated their Ligue 1 title triumph.

The manner of the former Manchester United midfielder’s exit, coupled with the artificial surface the Brittany club use, had given rise to rumours that Beckham had already played his final match.

And that was confirmed yesterday when coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled his squad for the trip to Lorient, with Beckham’s name the obvious omission.

The news brings the curtain down on a career which has taken the former England captain from phenomenal success with Manchester United to spells with Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, Milan and Paris SG.

During a period of just over 20 years, Beckham amassed 19 trophies and 115 England caps.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who needs one more goal to take his league tally for the season to 30, was just one of a host of PSG players to pay tribute to Beckham.

“I think his retirement is a huge loss for football, but I also understand his decision. He’s a really nice guy,” he said.

“I didn’t know him before he signed for PSG but I have got to know him here. He has been a model of professionalism.”