Beckham first came to Manchester United's attention when he attended one of Charlton's soccer schools as a youngster.

Charlton was instantly impressed by the lad who would eventually go on to follow him as a legend for both United and England. He was as instrumental as anyone in persuading United to nip in front of Tottenham to sign Beckham and he remains a fan of his talent even now.

But, at the launch of his autobiography 'My Manchester United Years', Charlton has lamented Beckham's high-profile move to the United States and suggested the publicity machine that has accompanied his marriage had a detrimental effect on his impact as a sportsman.

"I think Victoria's lifestyle affected his game," said Charlton.

"He was a really great footballer and had a terrific talent but everyone is different and his lifestyle has gone in a different direction.

"When I first saw him, he wanted to be a footballer more than anyone I have ever seen. I wonder sometimes if he thinks what has happened.

"I would rather he was still playing in England but he is in America now. He is committed to being there and will earn millions of pounds, so good luck to him."

As a devoted family man with two children, the superstar lifestyle is as much a mystery to Charlton now as it was when team-mate George Best was picked up by the celebrity whirlwind four decades ago.

Charlton still finds it difficult to attack Beckham, admitting he was always a credit to United during his time at Old Trafford.

He also thinks the currently injured 32-year-old Londoner will eventually go on to get the additional three caps required to hit a century of appearances for England.

"He is only young yet, so he will probably make it," he observed.

Nevertheless, there remains a distaste, and a sadness, for the way Beckham's life has gone and, in his book, Charlton recalls the moment when he knew the Walthamstow-born star had become immersed in celebrity culture.

"We were sitting together in Singapore when Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, came to the stage to announce the winning candidate for the 2012 Olympics," he recalled.

"As Rogge was making his announcement, David turned to me and said 'Paris have got it, look at how all the press photographers are all going over to the French delegation'. As I waited for the news I thought 'I would never have noticed that'."

Charlton is also quick to dispel the belief Beckham was driven out of Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson, even though he admits there were huge differences between the player and his fiery Scottish manager.

"It is true the manager had serious problems with the Beckhams' lifestyle," he said.

"Beckham thought that a celebrity lifestyle, being drawn increasingly into the showbiz world of his wife Victoria, was compatible with the regime of a professional footballer. His manager did not.

"But there was never any question of the player being driven out of United. I can say this with great conviction because I saw the contract he rejected when he decided to leave for Real Madrid.

"It was an excellent, generous offer and certainly did not resemble in the slightest a goodbye note."

Sir Bobby Charlton - The Autobiography 'My Manchester United Years'

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