Beckham hails 'life changing' Afghanistan visit

England midfielder David Beckham has said that visiting British troops fighting in Afghanistan was "one of the best things" he has done in his career.

Beckham had spent time with the troops in Helmand in May ahead of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

"That was one of the best things I've done in my career. It was really life changing," Sky Sports quoted Beckham, as saying.

"To go somewhere like Afghanistan where men and women are giving their lives. Throughout my career I've been training and playing, but I've always wanted to do something like this," he added.

The 35-year-old further said that his parents were proud of him and his achievements as a footballer, but thinking about how the parents of servicemen and women felt "gives you goosebumps".

Earlier, Beckham, who is recovering from an Achilles-tendon injury, had spoken about his respect for the armed forces.

"I have nothing, but admiration for these young men and women and it makes me very proud to be British," Beckham had said.

During his visit, Beckham had made a trip to Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital where Britain has a military base.

Britain has around 10,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of an international force, largely fighting the Taliban.