Beckham 'loves' Man Utd

Beckham wants Champions League glory for his boss

Manchester United star David Beckham has denied reports he is keen on a move away from Old Trafford, expressing his close affection for the Premiership club.

Beckham, preparing with England for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Greece on Wednesday, also revealed that discussions for a new contract had got under way with his employers.

"Let me make it clear, I still love Manchester United, I have been at the club since I was 16," he told The News of the World.

"Manchester is where I grew up as a footballer playing for the best manager and the best club in the world.

I can think of no better finish for him than to win the European Cup in his native Glasgow

  David Beckham

"I have lived in the city for 10 years, I regard it as my home now and so does my wife. For some reason, people think I live in London, I don't.

"I wouldn't be so effective as a player if I was commuting back and forth to Manchester as it is often alleged."

As well as discussing his contract negotiations, Beckham also said he and his Manchester United team-mates were planning a special retirement present for boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"The new contract will be the most important of my career so far and I'm not going to rush into signing it," he added.

"Talks began before the Cup final and are still at an early stage.

"We would love to see Sir Alex stay on, but we respect his decision to call it a day when he feels the time is right.

"I can think of no better finish for him than to win the European Cup in his native Glasgow, in his last game as manager."