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(CNN) — Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, the nine-time European champion’s president Florentino Perez announced at a news conference on Monday.

By his own admission Mourinho, who won one La Liga crown and a Copa del Rey with Real after taking charge in 2010, has endured what he has called his “worst season” in management.

“The club and manager agree that the timing is right to bring the relationship to an end,” said Perez.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for all his hard work over the last three years.”

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Mourinho will stay on for Real’s remaining league fixtures, with an away trip to Real Sociedad on May 26 and a final home game at the Bernabeu on June 1 against Osasuna.

Real will finish second in La Liga this year, trailing champions Barcelona by 12 points after 36 rounds.

The parting of ways comes three days after Mourinho was sent off as Real lost the Copa del Rey final 2-1 to Atletico Madrid, a first defeat by their neighbors in 14 years.

Real president Perez explained that the decision was a “mutual agreement”, so paving the way for Mourinho to make a return to England’s Premier League.

“I know in England I am loved,” said the Portuguese last month. “I know I am loved by some clubs, especially one.”

The 50-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to former club Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles and one FA Cup between 2004 and 2007.

Read: Benitez delivers European glory

This year’s Europa League champions will be without a coach on June 1, with the contract for interim manager Rafa Benitez expiring at the end of May.

Thedecision to part ways via “mutual agreement” means neither Real nor Mourinho will have to pay one another millions of dollars in compensation had either of them broken the terms of their contract.

After winning La Liga last year, Mourinho had signed a new four-year deal with the Merengues.

The compensation package was believed to be a potential obstacle to his return to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich paid Mourinho and his coaching staff some $27 million after his contract ended early in 2007.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti, who formerly led Chelsea himself, is rumored to be Mourinho’s replacement.

On Monday, Perez denied that any deal has been agreed to replace the former Inter Milan and Porto manager.

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“We have no pre-contract signed with any managerial candidate,” he said. “It’s something we’ll have to look at in the coming days.”

Ancelotti confirmed on Sunday that he had asked to leave the French champions, while the club’s Qatari owners suggested he already had an agreement in place with Real.

Desperate to be crowned champions of Europe for a record tenth time, with their last success dating back to 2002, Real Madrid turned to Mourinho just days after he lifted the Champions League with Inter Milan, ending a barren 35-year run for the Italians.

Yet the Portuguese was beaten in the semifinals of the competition each year with Real, who were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund last month.

Without a trophy in the two years prior to his arrival, Mourinho did at least return silverware to the club – winning the Copa del Rey in his first season in charge.

In 2012, he guided Real Madrid to their first league crown in four years and amassed a record tally of 100 points along the way, so eclipsing the previous best held by great rivals Barcelona.

A new deal soon followed but matters soured this season as Mourinho clashed with several star players, notably goalkeeper Iker Casillas — who was demoted from the first team in recent months — Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

During his 176 games in charge, Mourinho has led Madrid to 127 victories – losing just 22 games along the way.

(CNN) — With tears streaming down his face, David Beckham said farewell in his final home game as a professional footballer Saturday.

Made captain for the night by Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti, he played his full part in a 3-1 win for the new French champions over Brest.

But on 82 minutes, with the realization that his glittering 847-game career was winding down, the raw emotion of the moment got the better of the most iconic player of his generation.

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Given a standing ovation by the near 45,000 strong capacity crowd in the Parc des Princes, Beckham hugged teammates and opponents before being substituted by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Family and friends, including his pop star wife Victoria, were in the stands to watch him as was former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

He had even donned a special pair of commemorative boots for the occasion — bearing the date May 18 and the names of his children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

Beckham was going out on a high and although PSG have an away match at Lorient to complete a triumphant season his appearance in that match is considered highly unlikely..

(CNN) — Alex Ferguson’s 1500th and final game in charge of Manchester United ended with a freak 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion Sunday while Arsenal claimed the final Champions League place on the last day of the English Premier League season.

Ferguson’s farewell looked to end in customary winning fashion as the new champions led 3-0 and 5-2 at the Hawthorns until the home side hit back with three late goals in five minutes, Romelu Lukaku equalizing to complete his hat-trick.

It is the first time in the history of the EPL that two sides had shared 10 goals in a match.

It also marks the end of an era with the 71-year-old Ferguson ending his 26 year reign at Old Trafford with 38 trophies, including 13 EPL titles.

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Paul Scholes, so influential for United in their prolonged triumphs under the Scot, joined him in retirement. The 38-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, shortly before WBA’s extraordinary comeback.

Read: Fergusons’ remarkable triumphs

It was a day marked by other farewells as Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher and his former club and England teammate Michael Owen, now with Stoke, ended their playing careers.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez also took charge of the Blues for the final time, seeing Fernando Torres score the crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Everton which finally sealed third spot ahead of Arsenal.

It was also David Moyes’ last game in charge of Everton before he takes over from Ferguson at United.

With relegation matters settled by Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to condemn Wigan to the drop in midweek, Arsene Wenger’s team needed to win at Newcastle to deny North London rivals the coveted fourth spot.

A goal from French defender Laurent Koscielny just after halftime proved enough despite some nervy late moments.

The anxiety increased as news came from White Hart Lane that another Gareth Bale wonder strike had given Tottenham a late 1-0 lead against 10-man Sunderland, who had David Vaughan sent off.

But Arsenal, who mounted an impressive late season charge, were left to celebrate a 17th straight year in Europe’s premier club competition.

Read: Tears and cheers as Beckham plays final home game

“The players are special. I’ve told them many times but they’ve shown it in the last two months they’ve been absolutely exceptional,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

Tottenham must contemplate the Europa League again after finishing one point adrift.

It was cruel for manager Andre Villas-Boas, his side achieving the highest points tally with 72 of a side not qualifying for the Champions League.

“It is difficult to take, in the end we did what we had to but Arsenal did their job well and go through. It is difficult at this moment,” he told Sky Sports.

Manchester City, without a manager after dispensing with Roberto Mancini, slumped to a 3-2 home defeat to Norwich, but had already clinched second spot.

Stoke, with Owen coming on for 16 minutes, drew 1-1 with Southampton while FA Cup winners Wigan drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.

Reading, relegated with Wigan and QPR, lost 4-2 at West Ham and Fulham won 3-0 at League Cup winners Swansea.

Carragher hit the post but Liverpool saw off QPR 1-0 at Anfield with Philippe Coutinho scoring the only goal.

(CNN) — With tears streaming down his face, David Beckham said farewell in his final home game as a professional footballer Saturday.

Made captain for the night by Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti, he played his full part in a 3-1 win for the new French champions over Brest.

But on 82 minutes, with the realization that his glittering 847-game career was winding down, the raw emotion of the moment got the better of the most iconic player of his generation.

Open Mic: David Beckham retires

Beckham says goodbye to soccer

David Beckham calls it a career

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David Beckham calls it a career

Given a standing ovation by the near 45,000 strong capacity crowd in the Parc des Princes, Beckham hugged teammates and opponents before being substituted by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Family and friends, including his pop star wife Victoria, were in the stands to watch him as was former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

He had even donned a special pair of commemorative boots for the occasion — bearing the date May 18 and the names of his children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

Beckham was going out on a high and although PSG have an away match at Lorient to complete a triumphant season his appearance in that match is considered highly unlikely..

(CNN) — David Beckham was always adept at curling the ball around a wall — but when it came to the barrier of homosexuality in football, he broke straight through it.

Former England captain Beckham, who announced his retirement from football Thursday, was the first superstar footballer to embrace his “gay icon” status, freely giving interviews to gay magazines and openly talking about his gay fan base.

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Read: Beckham to retire

“What David Beckham did was break the long silence about homosexuality in football,” Newkey-Burden told CNN.

“Before Beckham came along, it was basically a taboo but he changed all that.

“He openly courted his gay fan base, saying he loved being a gay icon and was happy for his wife to broadcast that around.

“He was the first to give interviews to gay magazines — before that, no footballer would have done that.

“He also changed the way footballers were looked at. He was inherently good looking, but it was that he paid so much attention to his appearance that was unprecedented.”

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Once Newkey-Burden spent five months trying to organize an interview with the midfielder, only for the player himself to sanction the piece after reading one of the journalist’s articles on football and homosexuality in Four Four Two magazine.

Read: Rogers’ retirement reasons could bring change

“David read the piece I did about how far football had come in dealing with homophobia,” Newkey-Burden recalled.

“I know he was very moved by the fact I wrote how he had opened the door to change and that is what swung getting me the interview with him.

“Look, there are 92 league clubs in England with each squad having around 20 players, so statistically, there must be some gay players, ” added the journalist.

“One day it will be common place for footballers to come out and David Beckham will have played a part in that.

“He opened the door and it is the person who opens the door who makes the difference.

“Beckham said to the world: ‘I’m straight, I’m the England captain and I think it’s cool people are gay.’”

Despite Beckham embracing his “gay icon” status, football continues to struggle with homophobia.

Last February, U.S. football star Robbie Rogers announced he was retiring from football after “coming out” — leaving Swedish player Anton Hysen as the only openly gay player in Europe.

Rogers might yet make a return given he has been training with Los Angeles Galaxy.

Read: In search of a gay soccer hero

Beckham was also key in footballers becoming fashionistas and attracting interest from the mainstream media, according to Newkey Burden.

“Gay football fans don’t want 11 neatly coiffured and manicured players to admire,” said the journalist and celebrity biographer who has written books about Adele, Brangelina, Michael Jackson and Paris Hilton.

“They’re more attracted to the old-fashioned kind of player like Vinny Jones or Alan Shearer if I’m honest.

David Beckham made an immediate impact at Paris Saint-Germain, with victories in his first two appearances against French rivals Marseille.

He was unveiled at the Parc des Princes on the final day of the January 2013 transfer window, and announced that he will donate the pay he receives during his five-month contract to a children’s charity in Paris.

Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.

David Beckham made his debut for English Premier League team Manchester United in 1993. By 1996, the midfielder was becoming renowned for his ability to score and create goals with his now legendary right foot. In a match against Wimbledon, Beckham stunned football fans by scoring from the halfway line.

Beckham swiftly progressed into the England team and was part of Glenn Hoddle’s squad for the 1998 World Cup in France. In a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and were eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.

Beckham rebuilt his reputation and in 1999 was a key part of the Manchester United team which became the first English club to win the Premier League, FA Cup and European Champions League in the same season. The Old Trafford side, led by Alex Ferguson, secured the treble thanks to a stunning late comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

Beckham’s redemption was complete in 2000, when caretaker England manager Peter Taylor made him captain of the national team. He retained the role under Sven-Goran Eriksson, leading England at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and the 2004 European Championships.

In 2003, after a turbulent final few months at United which involved Ferguson accidentally kicking a boot at Beckham, he joined Real Madrid’s “Galacticos”.

But Beckham’s spell in Madrid didn’t produce the trophy rush he had hoped for. His sole title came in 2007, under future England manager Fabio Capello, thanks to a win against Real Mallorca on the final day of the season.

Beckham made the switch to Los Angeles Galaxy in the U.S.’s Major League Soccer in 2007. His stated aim was to raise the profile of soccer in the country.

Four years after heading to the States, Beckham finally won the MLS Cup with Galaxy last season. Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Landon Donovan.

Off the pitch, Beckham is famous for being one half of one of the world’s most high-profile couples. He started dating Victoria Adams of British pop group Spice Girls in 1997. The pair married in 1999 and have four children, son Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper Seven.

Football fans wear masks depicting Beckham at the London 2012 Olympics. He was not picked for the GB team, but played a big role in his hometown being awarded the Games.

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The career of David Beckham

Hundreds of fans and journalists flocked to the Paris Saint-Germain training ground Wednesday to get a glimpse of David Beckham in action on the practice field. The interest in Beckham’s move to the French club has caused huge excitement with the anticipation building ahead of the midfielder’s possible debut on Sunday.

David Beckham took part in his first training session with his new Paris Saint-Germain teammates less than 24 hours after watching them claim a 2-1 win at Valencia in the last-16 round of the Champions League. on Tuesday.

Beckham, 37, was put through is paces at the club’s open training day where more than 100 journalists turned up to witness the event. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to make his debut against Sochaux on Sunday, but it’s not known if his pop star wife Victoria will be in attendance. Beckham’s family has remained in London where his children Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz attend school following their move from Los Angeles.

Beckham, who won 115 caps for England, has signed a five-month deal with the Qatari-backed club, but has revealed that his salary will be donated to a Paris children’s charity. He will now hope to force his way into the side and link up with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lucas Moura and Ezequiel Lavezzi with the team six points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

Beckham waves to the waiting press pack as he makes his way out at the club’s Camp des Loges training center in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. The session, which was led by PSG’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, was shown live on French television.

Beckham shows off his new pink boots, a pair of which even Posh Spice might approve of. While Beckham is busy preparing for his debut, fashion designer Victoria was having her latest designs shown off by models in London.

After working up a sweat, Beckham throws off his top and gets back to work with the players who didn’t feature in Tuesday’s win at Valencia. If Beckham doesn’t play against Sochaux on Sunday, he could line-up the following week against fierce rival Marseille and fellow Englishman Joey Barton.

Beckham takes to the sand as he steps up his training regime. Running on sand has several long-term benefits which includes strengthening the lower body muscles, burning more calories and is supposed to be easier on the joints as opposed to grass.

Beckham watched PSG’s win at Valencia alongside the club’s sporting director Leonardo. The pair looked on as their side edged out Valencia 2-1 in the first leg thanks to goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off late on. The Swede will miss the second leg in the French capital on March 6.

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‘Box Office’ Beckham thrills French audience

“But Beckham was someone who was proud to be a gay icon and made it cool too.

“Just look at the number of metrosexuals who have emerged since Beckham.

“It’s now OK for players to have silly, floppy hair and dress in the way they do. He did that.”

Read: The gay footballer who chose freedom

Players now try to trend it like Beckham more often than they try to bend it like Beckham.

From wearing his wife’s underwear to parading around in a sarong, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain man has never been one to shy away from experimentation.

While former Spice Girl Victoria has gone on to establish herself as a leading fashion designer, it is Beckham who brought men into the 21st century with his eye for the latest trends.

From his outrageous hair styles to his love of grooming and moisturizing, Beckham relaunched the notion of the metroxsexual along with his very own brand of cologne.

Whether it was by provocatively modelng in his Armani underwear or being paraded in front of the press in another exquisitely tailored suit, Beckham set the bar high when it came to looking sharp.

Read: Rise of the metrosexual

(CNN) — Jose Mourinho bemoaned the “worst season of my career” after seeing his Real Madrid side slip to a 2-1 extra time defeat to capital rivals Atletico in the final of the Copa del Rey.

Mourinho, who is widely tipped to return to take charge of English Premier League Chelsea, made his feelings clear to the media after seeing his last chance of silverware this season slip away.

In the last few weeks, Real have lost in the semifinals of the Champions League to Borussia Dortmund and seen arch-rivals Barcelona clinch the Spanish La Liga title.

A season which started with such promise after beating Barca to win the Spanish Super Cup has petered out and left the “Special One” frustrated.

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“This is the worst season of my career with a title that is not sufficient to satisfy Real Madrid and therefore it is a bad season.

“With a final, a semifinal, second place in the league and the Supercup, what for many would be a good season, for me is the worst.”

Pressed on his likely move to Chelsea, Mourinho refused to be drawn. “I have a contract for three more years and I have still not sat down with the president to talk about my future,” he said.

“I have to be honest. Until the day that the president sits down with me and the club does something official it has to be like this.”

Read: Will Mourinho stay or go?

If the match in the Santiago Bernabeu Friday night is to prove Mourinho’s swansong at Real, it didn’t go as planned.

It wasn’t the best of nights for his talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, either, as he saw red in the dying minutes.

Mourinho was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee for protesting a decision late in the second half as Atletico won their first Copa del Rey in 17 years.

The scrappy contest that featured more than a dozen yellow cards and two reds was settled by Miranda’s header in the eighth minute of extra time on a night when it seemed Atletico, which hadn’t beaten their city rivals since 1999, were destined to lift the trophy.

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After Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a typically impressive header, Diego Costa leveled on a counter attack in the 35th after superb work by striking partner Radamel Falcao.

Real Madrid struck the post three times prior to the game entering extra time and Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois made two stunning saves to preserve the victory and help end his team’s three-match losing streak in Copa finals.

The affair turned ugly in the dying minutes, with Ronaldo given a straight red card for kicking out at Gabi and players from both benches having to be separated. Courtois fell to the ground when struck by an item thrown from the stands at Real’s home stadium.

Mourinho believed his team should have lifted the cup and had been plain unlucky.

“The result is 1-1 and it is not normal to hit the post three times,” he said. “You don’t have to be a magician of football to think that the result is not fair, that Atletico are not the deserved winners of the final.

“The refereeing is forgotten, the shots off the post are forgotten, all that remains is that the winner is Atletico.”

Winning manager Diego Simeone was simply delighted while acknowledging their fortune.

“It was an incredible game. We had the luck you need to have to be champions,” he told gathered reporters.

(CNN) — Mario Balotelli has delivered his verdict on his time in the English Premier League — he couldn’t be happier to have left England.

The Italian international, who quit Manchester City for AC Milan last January, endured a tumultuous two-year spell in England with his life being played out on television screens and splashed across the pages of the tabloid newspapers.

Car crashes, throwing a dart at a youth team player, fireworks being set off in his bathroom and a training ground bust-up with the manager were all par for the course for football’s “enfant terrible” during his time at City.

Read: Bye Bye Balotelli

The 22-year-old, who describes himself as just a “normal guy,” insists his treatment at the hands of the British press crossed a line.

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“Yes,” Balotelli told CNN when asked if he was unfairly treated in England.

“But I’m not here to talk about if I’m unfairly treated. I don’t care. I’m out from England, I’m happy that I’m out from England. That’s it.

“I’m really happy now. I have my family near me and my friends. I can relax and find my privacy, more than in England, where I was alone.”

Read: Mancini sacking no surprise

Despite the off-field misdemeanors, former manager Roberto Mancini constantly defended the player even though Balotelli’s behavior tested a relationship which stretched back to when the Italian-born forward was a raw and talented 16-year-old at Inter Milan.

However, the deterioration in the pair’s relationship led to the striker being sold by City for $30 million to Milan. Mancini was relieved of his duties only last week following a season in which City failed to win a trophy.

Back in Italy, Balotelli still attracts headlines, although he insists not all of the extraordinary incidents he has been linked with are factually correct.

Twitter became a minefield of rumor and speculation with tales of Balotelli driving around Manchester, throwing money at homeless people — just one of the untrue stories to have been concocted.

Read: Balotelli threatens to walk off

“The stuff that they said in the newspapers that I did in England in the past, few of those are real,” he said.

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David Beckham calls it a career

Beckham brand will outlast soccer career

David Beckham calls it a career

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“The others are really just the imagination of the journalists. But when you create an icon of a person in that kind of way, after everyone thinks you are like this and if you lie about it, everyone just thinks that it is all true.

“So maybe that’s why they think I’m crazy and do crazy things? Sometimes I dream to be alone and that nobody would talk to me.

“A love of women I think is normal. Cars? I like fast cars and I don’t see the problem if I like fast cars.

“Some things have happened in my life, some stuff unfortunately happened and they went on the newspapers straight away. But I don’t see anything that would make people think that I’m bad or I’m crazy. I’m a normal guy.

“But I understand that football is really important and that everybody watches it. When you’re famous you have to do photos or autographs, especially for the kids.”

Read: Match stopped due to racist abuse of Balotelli

Back in Italy with his friends and family, Balotelli feels more comfortable and able to live freely in a way he found difficult to do so in England.

But he admits that his past transgressions count against him and that general public has preconceived notions about his personality.

“Of course, even if you’re the best in the world then some people don’t like you and some people like you,” added Balotelli.

“What is important for me is that the people who know me for real, know Mario how he really is.

“People who don’t know me, they read newspapers and they watch TV. Television is made to give a lot of opinions, so I can’t show the real Mario to everybody.”

Since joining Milan, Balotelli has scored 11 goals in 12 games.

(CNN) — If this was Jose Mourinho’s swansong in a major cup final with Real Madrid, it didn’t go as planned. It wasn’t the best of nights for Cristiano Ronaldo, either, as he saw red in the dying minutes.

Mourinho, being heavily linked with a managerial return to Chelsea, was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee for protesting a decision late in the second half and Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra time to win its first Copa del Rey in 17 years.

The scrappy contest that featured more than a dozen yellow cards and two reds was settled by Miranda’s header in the eighth minute of extra time on a night when it seemed Atletico, which hadn’t downed its city rival since 1999, was destined to lift the trophy.

After Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a typically impressive header, Diego Costa leveled on a counter attack in the 35th.

Real Madrid struck the post three times prior to the game entering extra time and Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois made two stunning saves to preserve the victory and help end his team’s three-match losing streak in Copa finals.

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The affair turned ugly in the dying minutes, with Ronaldo given a straight red card for kicking out at Gabi and players from both benches having to be separated. Courtois fell to the ground when struck by an item thrown from the stands at Real’s Bernabeu stadium.

For Mourinho, the past month has been one to forget. Real Madrid lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals, extending its title drought in Europe’s top club competition to 11 years, and Mourinho has complained of not being loved in Spain.

Having fallen out with Real Madrid fan favorite Iker Casillas, Mourinhodrew criticism from his fellow Portuguese, defender Pepe, who said Mourinho should have shown Casillas more respect. Pepe didn’t start against Atletico and was left on the bench.

Ronaldo gave Real Madrid the perfect start, rising the highest as he has done so many times before and sending a header past Courtois from Mesut Ozil’s corner.

Real Madrid continued to dictate proceedings but Atletico were always a threat on the break in the first half and equalized through Costa.

Real keeper Diego Lopez got a hand to Costa’s left-footed effort but not enough to prevent Costa from scoring his eighth goal in the competition this season.

Radamel Falcao beat two Real Madrid players before setting up Costa, although Falcao — one of the most coveted strikers in the world — otherwise had a quiet evening. Ozil almost gave Real Madrid the lead before halftime, his low effort beating Courtois but not the woodwork.

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Real dominated most of the second half and the post came to Atletico’s rescue again in the 61st. Karim Benzema was frustrated this time, and Ozil’s frustration grew as his follow up from inside the box was cleared off the line by Francisco Juanfran.

Ronaldo looked skywards in angst when he, too, hit the post from a free kick.

Atletico hung on for extra time and took advantage of poor marking for the winner. Koke’s cross was met by defender Miranda, and his glancing header from close range eluded Lopez.

Courtois did the rest, first stopping Gonzalo Higuain with his legs and diving to get a piece of Ozil’s shot when it looked like the German international couldn’t miss.

Although contact appeared to be minimal, Ronaldo’s boot appeared to strike Gabi in the face, sparking the confrontation between the benches. Later in extra time, Gabi was shown a second yellow. But unlike Ronaldo, Gabi was soon joining his teammates in celebration.

(CNN) — A pop star wife, an estimated annual salary of $46 million and the most iconic player of this generation — but to those who know the “real” David Beckham, he is just a “normal guy” and a “devoted dad.”

When Beckham announced his decision to retire from football Wednesday, there was one man who had already anticipated such an event.

Paul Clement, the assistant manager of Paris Saint-Germain, became a close confidante of his compatriot Beckham following the midfielder’s arrival in the French capital last January.

Night’s in his exclusive suite at Le Bristol hotel were luxurious, but the distance between the 38-year-old and the rest of his family is believed to be one of the key factors in his decision to retire.

While his former Spice Girl wife, Victoria, remained at home with children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, Beckham spent time talking through his troubles to a man with a sympathetic ear.

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Read: Beckham reveals ‘sacrifice’ of PSG stay

“The impression from the very first time we met was that he was a devoted dad,” Clement told CNN.

“He was very hands-on with the kids and, talking to people who knew him, I knew he wanted to be involved.

“I think that being away from his family, them being in London and him being in Paris, was difficult for him.

“We used to talk about our kids all the time and he asked me questions and we chatted about schooling and what they were up to.

“He missed them and I think that was a huge part of his decision to call it a day. I just had a feeling he might retire.”

In an exclusive interview with CNN last month, Beckham spoke of the difficulty of being away from his family.

“That’s the sacrifice I have to make as a father and as a husband: being away from my family,” Beckham said.

“It is only for a short time, but it’s difficult being away from the children every single day. But they understand it. They understand that Daddy works hard.”

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It is an experience which has caused some anguish for the former England captain, who takes great pride in being both a father and a husband but has had to balance that with a busy traveling schedule.

Not only has he played in Spain, the United States and Italy, he has also kept up his many business and charity commitments and recently agreed to become a football ambassador for China.

“The kids have moved across the world and I think he wanted them to have some stability,” added Clement.

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“The oldest, Brooklyn, is 14 now and it’s important for him to get his education and feel settled and I think David felt that was crucial.

“It was great to have him around and talk, but I’ve got my family here and that’s been so good for me.

“David has four kids and he really missed them. They’re a tight unit and he found it difficult.”

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For Clement, Beckham’s arrival came at time of personal tragedy.

His friend and colleague, PSG’s former nutritionist Nick Broad, died in a highway accident last January. It was a period of great difficulty for Clement on a personal level and for all of those at the club.

But in Beckham, he found somebody to confide in and talk to — a man completely different to that portrayed in fashion magazines a tabloid newspapers.

“He’s just a normal guy,” said Clement.

“He’s quite shy in his own way, but he’s good to be around and he likes to have a laugh and be with his friends.

“For me, it was great that he was there just after Nick died because that was an awful time.

As a player, Alex Ferguson enjoyed a moderately successful career. A prolific striker, he scored 170 goals in 317 appearances including 25 goals in 41 appearances for Glasgow Rangers.

Ferguson was appointed manager of Aberdeen in 1978. In addition to three Scottish First Division titles, Ferguson guided the club to an impressive triumph over Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Ferguson was assistant to Scotland coach Jock Stein during the qualifying campaign for the 1986 World Cup. Scotland secured a 1-1 draw against Wales in their final game to reach the tournament, but Stein collapsed and died following the final whistle in Cardiff.

A late winner from substitute Mark Robbins in an FA Cup replay against Nottingham Forest in January 1990 allegedly spared Ferguson the sack. United went on to beat Crystal Palace at the second attempt in the final, giving Ferguson his first trophy at Old Trafford.

The Scot originally planned to retire from management at the end of the 2001-02 season. But, after helping the team recover from a slip in form which saw them drop as low as ninth in the Premier League table, Ferguson reversed his decision in February 2002 and signed a new three-year contract.

A boot flew into the face of Manchester United’s star midfielder David Beckham after Ferguson lost his temper following a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in February 2003. Beckham had to be held back following the incident and he joined Real Madrid ahead of the following season.

Ferguson’s finest hour arrived in Barcelona in May 1999, when his United team came from 1-0 down in the 90th minute to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the European Champions League final. The win completed an historic treble of titles won during the 1998-99 season, which included the Premier League title and the FA Cup.

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The seven moments which define Alex Ferguson

David Beckham has topped the list of the world’s highest-paid footballers compiled by prestigious France Football magazine. The veteran midfielder, who signed a five-month contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in January, is set to earn $46.5 million during the 2012-13 season. Beckham is donating his salary, which is said to account for 5% of his earnings, to a children’s charity.

Lionel Messi has left every footballer on the planet trailing in his wake in recent years, but the Argentine is only second on this list with $45.2 million. The Barcelona star is reportedly set to earn $17 million from his salary and bonuses alone.

Just behind Messi is Cristiano Ronaldo on $39 million. The Real Madrid forward’s salary and bonuses amount to slightly more than Messi at $17.5 million.

Ronaldo’s compatriot Jose Mourinho, his coach at Real Madrid, tops the list as the sport’s highest-earning team boss with $18 million.

Carlo Ancelotti has benefited from the Qatari takeover of Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian, who has guided PSG into the quarterfinals of the European Champions League, is the second highest-earning coach behind Mourinho on $15.5 million.

Ancelotti’s compatriot Marcello Lippi has been richly rewarded for delivering the Chinese Super League title to Guangzhou Evergrande. The 2006 World Cup-winning coach has reportedly made $14 million from his first season.

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Beckham tops soccer’s rich list

David Beckham made an immediate impact at Paris Saint-Germain, with victories in his first two appearances against French rivals Marseille.

He was unveiled at the Parc des Princes on the final day of the January 2013 transfer window, and announced that he will donate the pay he receives during his five-month contract to a children’s charity in Paris.

Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.

David Beckham made his debut for English Premier League team Manchester United in 1993. By 1996, the midfielder was becoming renowned for his ability to score and create goals with his now legendary right foot. In a match against Wimbledon, Beckham stunned football fans by scoring from the halfway line.

Beckham swiftly progressed into the England team and was part of Glenn Hoddle’s squad for the 1998 World Cup in France. In a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and were eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.

Beckham rebuilt his reputation and in 1999 was a key part of the Manchester United team which became the first English club to win the Premier League, FA Cup and European Champions League in the same season. The Old Trafford side, led by Alex Ferguson, secured the treble thanks to a stunning late comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

Beckham’s redemption was complete in 2000, when caretaker England manager Peter Taylor made him captain of the national team. He retained the role under Sven-Goran Eriksson, leading England at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and the 2004 European Championships.

In 2003, after a turbulent final few months at United which involved Ferguson accidentally kicking a boot at Beckham, he joined Real Madrid’s “Galacticos”.

But Beckham’s spell in Madrid didn’t produce the trophy rush he had hoped for. His sole title came in 2007, under future England manager Fabio Capello, thanks to a win against Real Mallorca on the final day of the season.

Beckham made the switch to Los Angeles Galaxy in the U.S.’s Major League Soccer in 2007. His stated aim was to raise the profile of soccer in the country.

Four years after heading to the States, Beckham finally won the MLS Cup with Galaxy last season. Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Landon Donovan.

Off the pitch, Beckham is famous for being one half of one of the world’s most high-profile couples. He started dating Victoria Adams of British pop group Spice Girls in 1997. The pair married in 1999 and have four children, son Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper Seven.

Football fans wear masks depicting Beckham at the London 2012 Olympics. He was not picked for the GB team, but played a big role in his hometown being awarded the Games.

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The career of David Beckham

“It was great to have him around. It was as bit weird at first, because I’d read so much about him through the press and had my own impression.

“But speaking to people who knew him, I knew he was an absolute gentleman. For somebody so famous, he’s just a normal guy. He’s very professional, does all the right things and is a great example to the younger players.”

Despite his advancing years, Beckham appeared to be in peak condition, showing a level of fitness which would embarrass some of the younger players in the PSG squad.

But while he may have yet been able to continue playing, the off-field situation gave an inkling of what was to come, according to Clement.

(CNN) — The retirements are coming thick and fast out of Old Trafford, with Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand the latest to call time — on his international career.

The 34-year-old’s retirement follows the farce that ensued in March when he was recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, only for Ferdinand to quickly withdraw due to his “pre-planned fitness program” with his club.

In a statement released by the English Football Association, Ferdinand explained that he wanted to retire from international football to “concentrate on my club career.”

Alex Ferguson’s recipe for success

Alex Ferguson with the English Premier League trophy after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Swansea.

It marked the 71-year-old’s final home match in charge, having announced last week that he will retire at the end of this season.

United fans braved the rain to pay their respects, with tickets reportedly being sold on the black market for more than 10 times their face value.

Ferguson’s final and 1,500th match as United manager will be away to West Brom.

Ferguson walked onto the pitch at Old Trafford through a guard of honor formed by the United and Swansea City players.

United’s late winner was scored by veteran Rio Ferdinand, who Ferguson signed as the most expensive defender in British football history in 2002.

Ferguson did not select Wayne Rooney in his match-day squad, and later revealed that the England striker has asked to leave United.

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United fans farewell Alex Ferguson

As a player, Alex Ferguson enjoyed a moderately successful career. A prolific striker, he scored 170 goals in 317 appearances including 25 goals in 41 appearances for Glasgow Rangers.

Ferguson was appointed manager of Aberdeen in 1978. In addition to three Scottish First Division titles, Ferguson guided the club to an impressive triumph over Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Ferguson was assistant to Scotland coach Jock Stein during the qualifying campaign for the 1986 World Cup. Scotland secured a 1-1 draw against Wales in their final game to reach the tournament, but Stein collapsed and died following the final whistle in Cardiff.

A late winner from substitute Mark Robbins in an FA Cup replay against Nottingham Forest in January 1990 allegedly spared Ferguson the sack. United went on to beat Crystal Palace at the second attempt in the final, giving Ferguson his first trophy at Old Trafford.

The Scot originally planned to retire from management at the end of the 2001-02 season. But, after helping the team recover from a slip in form which saw them drop as low as ninth in the Premier League table, Ferguson reversed his decision in February 2002 and signed a new three-year contract.

A boot flew into the face of Manchester United’s star midfielder David Beckham after Ferguson lost his temper following a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in February 2003. Beckham had to be held back following the incident and he joined Real Madrid ahead of the following season.

Ferguson’s finest hour arrived in Barcelona in May 1999, when his United team came from 1-0 down in the 90th minute to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the European Champions League final. The win completed an historic treble of titles won during the 1998-99 season, which included the Premier League title and the FA Cup.

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The seven moments which define Alex Ferguson

Everton manager David Moyes (left) and Manchester United’s soon-to-retire boss Alex Ferguson (right) are pictured during the FA Cup semifinal match between their two teams at Wembley Stadium in April 2009. United announced Wednesday that Ferguson, 71, will be retiring at the end of the season after more than a quarter of a century at the helm.

Jose Mourinho, who is now Real Madrid coach, and Moyes look on during the FA Cup fourth round match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in January 2006 in Liverpool. Both men were potential candidates to replace Ferguson, before Moyes agreed a six-year deal with United.

Moyes is pictured prior to kick off during the English Premier League match between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park last month. Moyes is leaving Everton at the end of the season after he told the Merseyside club’s chairman Bill Kenwright of his desire to join United and succeed Ferguson.

Moyes urges on his team during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in north London last month. The Scot is considered to have done a superb job at Goodison Park given the relatively small financial resources he had at his disposal.

Moyes attends the 24th Hillsborough Anniversary Memorial Service at Anfield last month in Liverpool. Thousands of fans, friends and relatives took part in the service to mark the death of 96 football fans in an FA Cup semifinal match in April 1989.

Other notable attendants of the Hillsborough memorial service were: (from back row, left to right) Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, Moyes, Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers, Liverpool players Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Jordan Henderson, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre, Linda Pizzuti and her husband — Liverpool’s principal owner John W Henry — and club chairman Tom Werner.

Moyes was made an Honorary Fellow for Outstanding Contributions to football and sportsmanship, by Liverpool John Moores’ University during its annual graduation ceremony at the city’s Anglican Cathedral in July 2011.

Harry Redknapp — then Tottenham manager, but now Queens Park Rangers boss — and Moyes are pictured together after the Sir Bobby Robson Memorial Service at Durham Cathedral in September 2009. Former England manager Robson died aged 76 following a long battle with cancer.

The family of murdered 11-year old boy Rhys Jones stand next to Moyes during a minute’s appreciation before the start of the Premier League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park in August 2007. Rhys died after being shot in the neck as he played football with friends outside the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, Liverpool in August.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson’s successor

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football,” added Ferdinand, who has not played for England since a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011.

“The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future.

“I regard it as a great honor and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards.

“I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.

“A big thank you to all the fans, managers, coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside – the journey has been incredible.”

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In October, Hodgson was forced to apologize to Ferdinand after an English newspaper reported he had told fellow commuters during a tube journey on London’s underground that the Manchester United defender’s international career was over.

Ferdinand had been controversially left out of England’s squad for Euro 2012 despite the United defender expressing his desire to add to his 81 international caps.

After leaving Ferdinand out of his Euro 2012 squad, Hodgson opted to take Chelsea captain John Terry, though the defender had been due in court to face allegations he racially abused Rio’s brother, Anton Ferdinand.

Hodgson insisted it was purely a football decision and Terry was cleared in July. But he was banned for four matches on the same charge by the FA and announced his retirement from international football.

After making his debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997, Ferdinand went on to win 81 caps for England, playing in three World Cups.

“It’s important to pay tribute to someone of Rio’s stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level,” said Hodgson

“To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players.

“I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point.”