David Beckham has been revealed as the final player in the Premier League Hall of Fame class of 2021.
Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have all been voted in over the past few weeks, earning the highest individual honour on offer in English football.
Completing the group is Manchester United great Beckham, who won no fewer than six Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford between 1992 and 2003.
“It’s an honour to be inducted into the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame alongside these legends of the game and league,” Beckham told premierleague.com.
“The Premier League was such an important part of my career and life and I’m delighted to be recognised alongside these icons who I played with, competed with and looked up to.
“This is made even more of an honour for me knowing that it was down to the fans. This past year or so has shown just how important fans are to the game and it’s so great to see them slowly being able to come back to stadiums because they make football truly special.
“I’ve always said that throughout my playing career and beyond, I’m so lucky to have incredible fans who support me no end so thank you to everyone who voted.”
Beckham managed 265 league appearances for United across his 11 years at Old Trafford, chipping in with 62 goals and 80 assists for good measure.
One of those goals is remembered more than most. On August 17, 1996, a young Beckham fired home from all of 57 yards against Wimbledon – a goal which he later confessed changed his life dramatically.
“That Wimbledon goal from the halfway line was an amazing moment,” he recalled. “Looking back now and seeing photos of it where you can see my mum and dad behind the goal celebrating, that makes it even more special. It was a great strike and I’m lucky it went in otherwise I’m
sure the manager would have had something to say about it!”
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