Filed under: MLS, Los Angeles Galaxy, England

LONDON (AP) — David Beckham will reject the chance to make one final appearance for England, a person familiar with the former captain’s plans said Thursday.

Coach Fabio Capello announced Wednesday that the 35-year-old Beckham was too old to continue playing competitively for England, but offered him an opportunity to say farewell to fans in an exhibition match.

Beckham, who is recovering from an Achilles’ tendon injury that denied him a trip to a fourth World Cup, has played 115 times for England, second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton on the country’s all-time appearance list.

And the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder has said repeatedly that he wouldn’t retire from England duty while still playing soccer.

“It would seem strange to say you are not retiring then to signal your retirement in a benefit match,” the person familiar with Beckham’s plans told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because Beckham has yet to announce his plans. “It’s not going to happen.”

So revered is Beckham in England that local media lashed out at Capello for essentially retiring him on TV rather than notifying him directly.

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Report: David Beckham to Refuse Farewell Match With England