Real Madrid's Beckham: I will miss Man Utd

New Real Madrid signing David Beckham admits he is sad to be leaving Manchester United.

The England skipper told Real Madrid TV yesterday: "I've spent 13 or 14 years at Man Utd. It's been a massive part of my life and will always be, but I have to move on as well as Man Utd.

"I'm going to miss the players, particularly the ones I grew up with. It is really hard because I regard all the players as family and to be leaving like this is sad for me but I'll move on."

On United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Beckham added, "We have had our ups and downs - that's part and parcel of life."

"But me and the manager have always had a good relationship."

"He's the reason why I joined Man Utd - apart from being a supporter - and the reason why I'm the player I am today."

"He's always been a father figure to me and I'll never forget that."