Saint Becks signs for St Germain! David agrees £150k-a-week deal to play in Paris and he's giving his salary to local children's charity
- Footballer has signed five-month contract with the French team
- Sportsman confirms salary will be donated to a children's charity in Paris
- Victoria and the children will be remaining in the UK, as the children are enrolled at schools in London
By LOUISE SAUNDERS and SARAH BULL
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David Beckham has made history by revealing he will be donating the entire salary from his new contract with Paris St Germain to a children's charity in Paris.
In what is believed to be a world first, the 37-year-old footballer will be donating around £3million to the cause - if reports of his £150,000-a-week salary are correct.
Confirming his new role at a press conference in Paris on Thursday, David explained the philanthropic move, saying: 'For me it's always been about playing football, I considered other offers on the table. But one of the reasons I wanted to come to Paris was quite unique.
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Philanthropic: David Beckham revealed he has signed with Paris St Germain and confirmed he will be donating his entire salary to a children's charity in the French capital
'We've decided my salary will go towards a local children's charity in Paris and that's one of the things we're very excited and proud to be able to do. I'm not sure it's been done before but it's something I'm very passionate about.'
While not confirming the exact sum that would be donated, Beckham did say: 'I'm pleased that we can give a huge sum to a children's charity in Paris - it's very special.'
David also revealed that his wife Victoria and their four children will not be moving to France to accompany him during his five-month contract with the team, because the kids are enrolled in schools in London.
He said: 'I am excited it's something that we've been talking about for quite a while and now it's finally happened. My wife and children will be staying in London because the children go to school there now.'
Exciting new move: David beamed as his new role was announced to the press
Making new friends: Beckham was joined at the conference by PSG Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (centre) and PSG sports director Leonardo
Victoria, meanwhile, has spoken of her pride over David's new role, telling the MailOnline: 'Myself and the children are incredibly proud and supportive of David and we are excited about spending time as a family in Paris over the coming weeks.
'We are passionate about supporting children's charities and donating to a local children's charity in Paris is something we are delighted to do.'
The dapper sportsman also revealed that he will be needing to brush up on his French before his contract with the team begins.
He laughed: 'My French? I haven't spoken French for quite a few years, since I was at school, so I'll definitely have to brush up on it.'
Asked by a reporter to demonstrate his grasp of the language with a French phrase, David kept it simple by just saying: 'Bonjour!'
Beckham added of the move: 'I'm very lucky. I'm 37 years old and I got a lot of offers. I've had more offers now than I've had in my career at my age so I'm very honoured by that.
'I chose Paris because I can see what the club are trying to do - I can see the players they're trying to bring up and the kind of club they will be in 15-20 years time.
He's got a lot to learn! David admitted it would be difficult for him to pick up French, considering he hasn't learned it since he was at school
Dapper: David looked smart in his charcoal grey suit, white shirt and tie for the big announcement event
Photocall: The trio posed up with Beckham's new jersey following the press conference
'I'm not saying I'm going to be playing in 15-20 years but to be part of something like this is very exciting. I'm very excited and honoured to be here.'
Asked why he signed for PSG and not another British team, David, who has played for teams including Manchester United, said: 'I've always said I would never want to play for another English club. Manchester United is the team I support and it's the team I always have supported.
'I've always said I don't want to play for a team unless it's Manchester United. I've had 13 or 14 championship trophies throughout my career, and I've played with some of the biggest and best clubs in the world.
'I'm 37 and I'm still fit, I can run around and play like I did when I was 21. I haven't lost pace because I never really had a lot of pace.'
VIDEO Beckham: 'At 37 I got more offers than in the rest of my career'...
Staying put: David also revealed that his wife and four children would not be moving to France
The father-of-four was also asked why he had decided on a five-month contract instead of something more long-term.
He said: 'I don't see that it's a short term project it might be a short term project for me playing but there's a lot happening in this club with these owners. Whatever club I've gone to and whatever team Ive played for, I've worked hard.
'I don't expect to come into this team and play every game - I need to work hard. I don't automatically expect a place in the starting eleven. I might have only signed a contract until the end of the season but I consider myself to be part of helping this club to grow, help the French league to grow and become one of the biggest powerhouses in football.'
Bonjour! David smiled widely as he was pictured leaving his medical examination ahead of the press conference
David also revealed that another reason he signed with PSG was because he wanted to take on a new challenge.
He said: 'Obviously I've played in Europe for a number of years and every time I've come up against a French team it's been the most difficult games. At Real Madrid, the games we played in Lyon and Marseille were some of the toughest.
'The French league is full of talented players and teams. There's a lot of talent here and it's a difficult league. I've always loved a challenge whatever the league, whatever the club and whatever the culture.'
And the footballer also said he is hoping that the contract with Paris St Germain won't be his last.
VIDEO Looking good. Photo call with Beckham and his new shirt
Excited: Beckham looked thrilled as he arrived in Paris for a medical examination before the scheduled press conference with Paris St Germain
Dapper dude: David looked smart in his black outfit, with his hair slicked back for the occasion
Keeping their new signing safe: David was flanked by security guards as he left the building for his next destination
Fit as a fiddle: Beckham leaves the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital after successfully passing his medical examination in Paris
He said: 'I feel very good at the moment, I'll see how I feel at the end of the season and I want to continue to play for as long as possible.
BECKHAM'S INCREDIBLE CAREER
May 2, 1975: Born Leytonstone
1991 - 2003: Joins Manchester United
September 23, 1992: Makes debut against Brighton in the League Cup. Wins FA Youth Cup
1999: Wins Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup in same season
Runner-up in World Player of the Year awards
November 2000: Named England captain
2002: Wins fourth league title with Man United
February 2003: Gets boot kicked in face by Sir Alex Ferguson after FA Cup defeat
June 14 - Awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to football
June 17 - United sell the star for £25million to Real Madrid
2004: June 24 - Misses a penalty as England lose to Portugal in a shoot-out in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals in Lisbon
2006: July 2 - Stands down as England captain after World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal
2007: June - Wins La Liga title with Madrid.
August 16 - Beckham scores his first goal for Los Angeles Galaxy on his full debut in the SuperLiga semi-final meeting with DC United with a trademark free-kick
August 16 - Beckham scores his first goal for Los Angeles Galaxy on his full debut in the SuperLiga semi-final meeting with DC United with a trademark free-kick
2008: March 26 - Wins 100th England cap in a friendly against France
2009: January 11 – Joins Milan on loan and makes first start for them in a 2-2 Serie A draw at Roma
March 28 - Comes on as a half-time substitute against Slovakia at Wembley to win his 109th cap and break Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player
August 11 - England career appears to be at an end when manager Fabio Capello tells ITV: ‘Probably he is a little bit old’
2011: November 20 - Wins the MLS Cup as the Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 in the final
2012: December 1 - Ends his time with Galaxy in style by winning a second MLS Cup with a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo
2013: January 31 - Signs for Paris St Germain
'My passion is football, it's never been about the biggest contract or money. I want to play for the biggest teams and with the best players. I've been lucky enough to do that throughout my career.'
When asked how David would be managing his living situation during his time with the team, the footballer said he is planning to stay in a hotel rather than in a flat.
He said: 'On the hotel and accommodation side, I think it will be easy for me to stay in a hotel but I haven't decided that yet. Whatever is easiest for me and the family when they come and spend time with me.'
Beckham then cheekily added: 'I'm not sure I'd tell you where it is!'
Beckham was seen leaving his Kensington home on Thursday morning, before flying by private jet to Paris, where he was met by executives of the Qatari-owned club.
Posting a picture on his official Facebook page of him relaxing on board a private jet on Thursday, the sports star wrote: 'On way to Paris, excited. I will update you all later.'
The news of Beckham's new role comes after a planned move to the team fell through last year due to 'family reasons', according to PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Since moving back to the UK, Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo have all enrolled in a local London school to continue their studies.
And the family have certainly appeared to enjoy being back in England.
While David has been catching up with friends at local pubs and restaurant near to the family's Kensington abode, Victoria, 38, was spotted with son Cruz in a fish and chip shop, grabbing a bite to eat for her son after a busy day at school.
The Beckhams are said to be renting a £20million abode in a desirable location in South London, with a source recently telling MailOnline: 'It's time for a new London life, they are all very excited.'
If David decides to commute to Paris rather than move there, his transport opportunities are endless.
The obvious choice would be the high-speed Eurostar link between St Pancras and Paris Gare Du Nord station, making his commute a mere two hours and fifteen minutes.
Alternatively, hopping in his Range Rover and driving would take around eight hours, with a cross-Channel ferry trip thrown in for good measure.
Elsewhere, catching one of the 27 flights that travel on a daily basis from London to Paris would take just one hour and 22 minutes.
The former England captain had been a free agent since leaving the LA Galaxy side in November.
Clubs in China, America and even England had all explored the possibility of signing the footballer, and he set tongues wagging further when he was spotted training with the Arsenal side earlier this week.
En route: David Beckham is seen on his way to France to sign with Paris St Germain in this Twitter picture
However, he insisted the move was just a bid to maintain his fitness.
Manager Aresene Wenger told reporters at the time: 'He has asked to come here and to work on his fitness. He has not done anything for a long time. He called me. It is purely for fitness there is no speculation about him signing.
'We get nothing out of it, just to help somebody who we think deserves it and has made great service for English football.'
On the move: David kept his head down as he left London on Thursday morning to head to the airport
Going casual: David wore a pair of jeans and black jacket with brown boots and a baker boy style hat as he began his journey
Moving on: The former England captain has been a free agent since leaving the LA Galaxy side in November
Settling back into British life: Victoria Beckham was spotted inside a fish and chip shop in Notting Hill earlier this week
The A-Z of Beckhams' London: Posh and Becks' down-to-earth haunts in UK capital
After five and a half years in Los Angeles, the Beckhams are back in London - and they certainly seem to be making the most of it.
From shopping trips to football matches, West End shows to fish and chip suppers, London's many attractions are keeping the family very busy indeed.
So where are the best places to look for a Beckham? Here's where they've been:
POUNDING THE PAVEMENT IN... BELGRAVIA
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho used to live there, and Roman Abramovich and Frank Lampard still do, so no wonder David has been seen out and about on the streets of Belgravia.
The area's terribly well-heeled locals are very used to famous neighbours so are likely to turn a blind eye when another celebrity drops by, although its unlikely David managed to go completely incognito thanks to the crowd of paparazzi capturing his every move.
Taking a stroll: David Beckham keeps his head down as he takes walks in south London this month
A POSSIBLE HOME IN... CLAPHAM
Although the Beckhams still own the palatial 'Beckingham Palace' in Hertfordshire, the family won't be moving back in.
The clan considered renting a luxury £20 million house in south London, which comes complete with state of the art security, including a reinforced lead-lined wall at the front of the property.
Located conveniently close to Victoria's Battersea studio, the lavish Clapham Common home is owned by Touker Suleyman boss of Ghost and Hawes & Curtis.
But it is thought south London was gazumped by west, and the Beckhams have chosen to set up camp north of the river instead.
Family home? The 37-year-old footballer considered renting this £20 million luxury abode in South London for his family - and the property is described as a 'James Bond' style house, thanks to state-of-the-art security
Convenience: Located conveniently close to Victoria's Battersea studio, the lavish home is owned by Touker Suleyman boss of Ghost and Hawes & Curtis
VISITING A FISH AND CHIP SHOP IN... NOTTING HILL
Super-skinny Victoria might not be too keen on unhealthy food but that didn't stop her from taking youngest son Cruz for lunch in a low-key fish and chip shop in London's trendy Notting Hill.
A world away from the Beckhams' usual haunts, which include A-list favourites Zuma and The Ivy, the hungry youngster happily picked out the greasy fare on offer - even though his mother didn't look quite so impressed.
Something fishy: Victoria treated her youngest son Cruz to a fish and chip supper in a Notting Hill takeaway restaurant last week
ENJOYING A PINT IN... KENSINGTON
Locals at one Kensington pub got two footballers for the price of one when David turned up for a quiet pint with his friend Jamie Redknapp.
Dressed in a very British green quilted coat and tweed flat-cap, Beckham looked every inch the dapper English gentleman.
And after finishing off his pint, David lived up to his gentlemanly attire, finding time to pose for photos with regulars, and even signing a few autographs.
Friendly fans: David Beckham and Jamie Redknapp were enjoying a quiet pint in a Kensington pub - and David even agreed to pose for photos with some fans
MAKING THE MOST OF THE SNOW IN... PRIMROSE HILL
When the cold snap hit, David and his boys joined Londoners in making the most of the chilly weather on snowy Primrose Hill.
While Victoria and baby Harper stayed snug and warm at home, David, Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn took to the slopes on a bright yellow plastic sledge.
Snow business like snow business: Brooklyn sits on a yellow sleigh as his dad prepares to boot him down Primrose Hill
HITTING THE SHOPS IN... MARYLEBONE
She might boast her own fashion label but that doesn't mean Victoria won't shop elsewhere.
The mother-of-four was pictured browsing on Marylebone's eclectic high street, which along with cheaper brands such as Whistles, also offers a selection of high end designer boutiques.
And Mrs Beckham's shopping spree didn't end there, as she was also spotted heading into the Apple store in Covent Garden.
Shopping for Britain: Victoria out and about in London with her bodyguard, left, and visiting the Apple store on Regent Street, right
CATCHING A SHOW AT... THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
London is famous for its myriad theatres, and like many Londoners the Beckhams enjoy a good stage show.
With the exception of little Harper who stayed at home, the whole family came along to see a performance by the famous French Cirque du Soleil troupe of acrobats, clowns and mime artists at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington.
Time for some magic: The whole family - minus baby Harper - caught the Cirque du Soleil show in Kensington
WATCHING THE FOOTBALL AT... ARSENAL OR WEST HAM
He's been seen training with Arsenal and enjoying a chat with the club's manager, Arsene Wenger, but David doesn't limit his affections to just one club.
After accompanying eldest son Brooklyn to his trial at Chelsea, the former LA Galaxy man was also snapped enjoying a match at his old club, West Ham United.
As the opponents were Manchester United, another former club, choosing who to support can't have been easy.
Having a kick-about: David Beckham at the Arsenal FC training ground at Shenley Training Centre in Shenley, Hertfordshire
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2271219/David-Beckham-signs-150k-week-deal-Paris-St-Germain-donating-ENTIRE-salary-childrens-charity.html#ixzz2JaJDfJlY
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