David Beckham is a real role model, and not just a celebrity, according to a Crossflats man behind his first big sponsorship deal.

The former Manchester United and England captain announced his retirement on Thursday, ending a career that led him to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.

Much of his fame is due to his sponsorship deals – everything from underwear to razors – but Graham Morgan remembers him before the deals.

Mr Morgan is the director of Evolve, a social enterprise company based in Central Hall on Alice Street, Keighley. But in his previous job he worked for sports company Adidas, and personally signed Beckham to the player’s first major sponsorship deal. Back in 1996 he saw potential in the 21-year-old, and persuaded him to be one of the faces of Adidas’ new football boot ‘Predator.’ He said: “We were looking round Europe for the best young talent. I had seen a little bit of David – he had a wonderful right foot and a fantastic attitude. There was just something about him, and he actually wore Adidas anyway.

“Just because you’re famous doesn’t make you a role model, but he was a real role model – a fantastic ambassador for English football.

“I’m surprised he didn’t stay for one more year; he didn’t lose his pace and I thought he had a lot more to give.”

Mr Morgan’s group encourages young people to stay fit and build confidence through sports.