Chris Hughton insists David Beckham should be remembered as a great player in the wake of the former England's captain announcement that he is to retire at the end of the current season.

Beckham will call time on his illustrious playing career later this month after landing the 11th and final league title of a 21-year professional career with French powerhouses Paris St-Germain. 'Probably in the end it wasn't such a major surprise,' said Hughton. 'He was getting to an age where he maybe felt that he wouldn't have played beyond. What has been extraordinary is the way he has combined the longevity of his play and the quality of his play with what he does outside the game. A lot will be spoken about the brand he has but more should be spoken about the good things he does, the charitable things, the involvement in big national events.

'If you ask me about David Beckham the player then the thing we must speak about is his technique. We all know he perhaps was never the quickest of wide players but technically I thought he was a great player. He was the type of player who could turn any game, either with a goal or an assist. He was one of the best crossers I have ever seen. To play at the highest level that he has was not a fluke or a coincidence. You have to believe in yourself, you have to have character and you must have ability.'

Hughton believes it is important Beckham remains within football in whatever future capacity.

'There are so many things he could go on and do, ranging from any type of ambassador role to his charity work. I am quite sure he will still be involved in football in some way or the other,' he said. 'I know he has done some coaching with children. That might be one area but how he fits it into his schedule will be a difficult one because I am quite sure he will not be struggling for work.'

QPR manager Harry Redknapp was in charge at Tottenham when Beckham trained with Spurs back in 2011.

'He was down to earth, everybody loved him, he treated everybody with great respect and he had time for everyone,' he said. 'He's had a fantastic career and is an absolute top-class fella. He's been a great role model for any young footballer.'