David Beckham has revealed that he would have loved to have played out his entire career at Manchester United .
The England international spent a decade with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, but is set to return toOld Trafford for the first time next month when AC Milan take on the English champions in the Champions League.
However, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live’s 'Sportsweek' programme, Beckham admitted he wished he had never left Manchester.
"I'd have loved to have stayed at Manchester United for my whole career and never gone anywhere else but it just wasn't meant to be,” he explained.
“It takes a special person and a player to stay at a club for so many years. Ryan's [Giggs] been there for so many years now and he'll be part of Manchester United for life – he's a Manchester boy and it runs through his blood.
"I'm so honoured to have played with Ryan through the years I did and to know him as a person and a player. He deserves all the success he's had this year and in the other years."
The midfielder also drew comparisons with United bossSir Alex Ferguson and England manager Fabio Capello , and revealed the respect he had for both men.
“He [Capello] gives us confidence where we might not have had it in the past," added Beckham.
“You really respect these managers.Sir Alex brought me up and was a father figure to me. I've got a huge amount of respect for him and the same for Fabio [Capello].
"They are two managers who don't just manage teams, they love football. That's why they've been successful and why they're still in the game now."
Yet despite his respect, Beckham insisted there was little chance of him following his mentors into management.
"There's no chance of me being a manager or a coach," he concluded.
"It doesn't interest me. I love coaching kids, that's my biggest passion. We'll see - I might change my mind in the future."
The England international spent a decade with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, but is set to return to
However, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live’s 'Sportsweek' programme, Beckham admitted he wished he had never left Manchester.
"I'd have loved to have stayed at Manchester United for my whole career and never gone anywhere else but it just wasn't meant to be,” he explained.
“It takes a special person and a player to stay at a club for so many years. Ryan's [Giggs] been there for so many years now and he'll be part of Manchester United for life – he's a Manchester boy and it runs through his blood.
"I'm so honoured to have played with Ryan through the years I did and to know him as a person and a player. He deserves all the success he's had this year and in the other years."
The midfielder also drew comparisons with United boss
“He [Capello] gives us confidence where we might not have had it in the past," added Beckham.
“You really respect these managers.
"They are two managers who don't just manage teams, they love football. That's why they've been successful and why they're still in the game now."
Yet despite his respect, Beckham insisted there was little chance of him following his mentors into management.
"There's no chance of me being a manager or a coach," he concluded.
"It doesn't interest me. I love coaching kids, that's my biggest passion. We'll see - I might change my mind in the future."
