David Beckham has reunited with his former Class of 92 team-mates by buying a stake in Salford City.
The former England captain has bought a 10 per cent stake in the National League club, joining Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt as joint-owners.
Beckham was not at Wednesday's press conference called to announce the news in Manchester this morning but said in a statement: 'It's a proud moment for me.
'It's a really special club and a special group of people.
'My early years in Manchester were all spent in Salford so to be able to finally join the lads and the club today is a great feeling.
'Salford City has achieved so much success in a short space of time.'
The Class of 92 took over Salford City in 2014 with the financial help of Singapore businessman Peter Lim.
Between them the former United team-mates now own 60 per cent of the club. Lim remains the single largest shareholder.
Beckham has wanted to be on board for some time but has recently been busy establishing a new MLS franchise in Miami.
A Class of 92 statement said: 'From the very beginning we wanted David to be involved and now the time is right.
'We have grown to love this club and we would like to welcome David to the club.'
Speaking at the press conference, Gary Neville admitted the owners were delighted to finally land Beckham.
'David was initially asked to come in four, five years ago but timing, and his project in Miami, it wasn't possible,' he said.
'David brings varied experience from his playing days having played in Europe and America and we are learning about sport and business. Peter (Lim) provides that stability and guidance for us.
'We can't be presumptuous that he will be accepted but we are confident. David will come to Salford in the next two or three weeks and will attend a game as soon as possible once the FA has accepted him.
We don't know how long it will take for the FA. We applied today so obviously the FA are seeing the documentation for the first time today. David has signed documentation but you have to enter the process to be a fit and proper owner.'
CLASS OF 92 SALFORD TIMELINE
March 2014 - The Class of 92 - Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt - agree a deal subject to approval from the Football Association to buy the Evo-Stik First Division North club
July 2014 - The former Manchester United stars start life as owners with a hands-on approach as they are present at pre-season training.
In one of the first interviews, Giggs told ITV News that the owners are ambitious and want to be an established Championship side in 15 years
August 2014: Ahead of the new season, the five owners decided to stick with manager Phil Power and keep chairwoman Karen Baird.
Also this month, the five owners took part in a Salford City vs Class of 92 XI match at the club's Moor Lane ground
September 2014: The five former players agree to sell a 50 per cent stake in the club to Singapore–based billionaire Peter Lim who is the owner of Valencia
January 2015: Phil Power is sacked as manager after a disappointing run in form and the Class of 92 have decided to make their first sacking as owners.
Paul Scholes and Phil Neville act as caretaker managers for the following game against Kendal Town.
The club go on to appoint former Ramsbottom United duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley as their new managerial team
April 2015: Strong form under the managerial duo sees Salford finish the season as champions, winning promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division
October 2015: The club are given prominent television coverage as a BBC One series Class of 92: Out of Their League tracks the journey of a season
January 2016: Salford City reach the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history.
They secured a famous 2-0 win at home in front of BBC cameras against Notts County and were drawn against Hartlepool United in round two
February 2016: The behind-the-scenes documentary on the club proved a roaring success and the BBC commissioned a second series
May 2016: Salford win promotion once more as they secure a spot in the National League North - the highest level the club had ever reached
July 2017: The club make the decision to go full-time as they have a squad overhaul with part-time players departing
January 2019: David Beckham is announced to have taken a 10 per cent stake in the club as they continue to push to win promotion to the Football League