(CNN) -- A pop star wife, an estimated annual salary of $46 million and the most iconic player of this generation -- but to those who know the "real" David Beckham, he is just a "normal guy" and a "devoted dad". When Beckham announced his decision to retire from football Thursday, there was one man who had already anticipated such an event. Paul Clement, the assistant manager of Paris Saint-Germain, became a close confidante of his compatriot Beckham following the midfielder's arrival in the French capital last January. Nights in his exclusive suite at Le Bristol hotel were luxurious, but the distance between the 38-year-old and the rest of his family is believed to be one of the key factors in his decision to retire.
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David Beckham found it difficult without wife and children in Paris
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Beckham described as a "devoted dad" by Paris Saint-Germain colleague
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PSG assistant manager Paul Clement pays tribute to midfielder
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Clement says he had a feeling Beckham would retire at end of season
Despite his advancing years, Beckham appeared to be in peak condition, showing a level of fitness which would embarrass some of the younger players in the @placeholder squad.