Beckham is currently in Japan with Victoria Beckham's career in photos

David Beckham has described his move from Man Utd to Real Madrid as a "unique and amazing opportunity".

Beckham will sign a four-year contract with the Spanish club in July after they agreed a �25m fee with the Premiership champions.

"I recognise that this is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career and a unique and exciting experience for my family," he explained.

"I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid, which also has world-class players."

Beckham and his wife Victoria arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of their tour of the Far East, where the player is a footballing icon.

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The couple are set to shoot commercials in Japan before heading to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

And it is expected he will be officially unveiled at Real's headquarters on 2 July after undergoing a medical.

The England captain could face a difficult task just getting into a side already jam-packed with world stars.

I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid David Beckham I've known David since he was 11 years of age, and it's been a pleasure to see him grow and develop into the player he has become Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson

But he admitted the lure of Champions League football was the key to him choosing Madrid ahead of Barcelona.

He added: "I would like to thank other clubs who were interested in signing me including Barcelona and I wish them every success in the future.

"But I really want to play in the Champions League."

Beckham also made a point of thanking Sir Alex Ferguson, his manager at Man Utd.

"I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today," he said.

"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so."

"I wish them the best of luck and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."

Keane was disappointed to see Beckham leave, but backed Ferguson's decision.

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"It's sad to see him leave but all I know is that our manager does what's best for Manchester United," he said. "If he thinks selling Becks is the best for Manchester he is all right to do it.

"He has sold a lot of top players over the years - Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, players like Denis Irwin have left - but the club has to go on. That's what football is all about.

"During my time Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Mark Hughes, Andrei Kanchelskis, Eric Cantona - all great players but they move on to different challenges or they retire.

"I'm sure the same will happen to me one day. We'll miss him but as but as a player you maybe have to look at yourself.

"He's been a top player for United but let's see what happens."

Ferguson is expected to use the money from Beckham's sale to strengthen his side in several positions as they look to defend their Premiership title and compete with the likes of Real Madrid in Europe.

Brazil star Ronaldinho appears to be top of their wanted list, but Ferguson has also been linked with the likes of Harry Kewell, Damien Duff and Patrick Kluivert

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Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye Ferguson was quick to pay tribute to Beckham.

"I've known David since he was 11 years of age, and it's been a pleasure to see him grow and develop into the player he has become," he said.

"David has been an integral part of all the successes that Manchester United have achieved in the last decade.

"I would like to wish him and his family every success in the future, and thank him for his service to the club."