Beckham Salutes Neville

Former Red David Beckham has paid tribute to his old team-mate and best friend Gary Neville, hailing him as "one of the best defenders ever to have played the game".

The 35-year-old announced his retirement on Wednesday after an illustrious career that spanned nearly 20 years in the United first team.

Beckham and Neville formed a successful partnership down United's right wing for almost a decade at Old Trafford and the ex-Red says the defender will go down as one of the game's greatest.

"Not only is Gary a great person, he is one of the best defenders ever to have played the game," said Beckham on his Facebook page.

"It was an honour to play with him at United and for England. He deserves all the praise and recognition."

Current Red Rio Ferdinand echoed those sentiments, adding on Twitter: "Gary is the best right back in Premier League history. He's going to be a loss to our dressing room.

"He is loyal, funny, dedicated and talented - a true United legend. He gave his all for the club he supported and won a load of medals."