"As I have said many times before the boss wasn't just the greatest and best manager I ever played under he was also a father figure to me from the moment I arrived at the club at the age of 11 until the day I left," thus were the words of David Beckham in his Facebook page as he paid tribute to Britain's most successful football manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson announced on May 8 his retirement as Manchester United manager at the end of the season.

The special bond that Beckham shares with the person he considers "father figure" traces back to the time when Beckham first broke into the Old Trafford youth system. As an 11-year old, it was the Scottish manager who brought him there along with a group of other young players. From then on, Beckham was continuously under the watch of Ferguson until he progressed into the senior team.

"Without him I would never have achieved what I have done in my career," Beckham added.

"He understood how important it was to play for your country and he knew how much it meant to me."

Now playing for the top French side Paris St Germain, Beckham is most particularly grateful to Ferguson for the fatherly support he gave in a stressful time during the England vs. Argentina game at the 1998 World Cup.

Britain's string of defeats in France to the South Americans was largely attributed by the fans to the former England skipper.

"After '98 without the manager I would have found it virtually impossible to cope with the attention I was getting on and off the field and for this I will always be grateful to him for his support and protection," Beckham continued.

"I am truly honoured to have been guided by the greatest manager in football and to have had the career that I had under him.

"Thank you boss and enjoy the rest!"

Beckham and Ferguson's relationship began to sour as the midfielder's time at Old Trafford neared its end. Acting on his fatherly instincts, the Scot manager expressed concern on the effects of Beckham's high-profile personal life on his football career. Beckham has been married for years to former pop star and now fashion designer Victoria Adams.

It also didn't help that an unfortunate incident happened in one of the games. Ferguson accidentally hit Beckham's head when he aimlessly kicked a stray boot in the changing room. This later saw the free-kick specialist transferring in 2003 to Real Madrid.

The 71-year old Ferguson, who has served as Machester United manager for 27 years, has led the club to 13 Premier League titles, including this season, five FA Cup and four League Cups, and two Champions League crowns. Upon retirement, he will serve as director and ambassador of the club.

Ferguson is considered as Britain's most successful football club manager.