David Beckham has opened up about the emotional challenges of watching his children grow up and move out of the family home. 

The 49-year-old former footballer admitted that the thought of his once bustling household becoming quieter has been “painful” for him, 

as his children gradually spread their wings and start their own lives. 

Beckham, who shares four children with his wife, Victoria, reflected on how the dynamic of their family has shifted in recent years, 

with only his youngest child, Harper, still living under their roof.

Beckham’s children—Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13—have each embarked on their own unique paths, 

and as a result, the Beckham home feels much emptier. Brooklyn, the eldest, is now married to actress and model Nicola Peltz and primarily resides in the United States. Romeo, who once followed in his father’s footsteps by playing football for Brentford’s B team, has now decided to focus on a career in fashion. Cruz, meanwhile, is pursuing a career in music, while Harper, at 13, remains the only one of Beckham’s children still at home with him and Victoria.

In a candid interview with Men’s Health UK, Beckham shared his feelings about the changes in their household. He admitted that it’s been difficult to adjust to the quieter atmosphere, especially since their home once echoed with the noise of four children. “We’re not quite there yet, but it’s actually painful,” Beckham said. “We’ve gone from having four in the house to one. What I would give to have that back and be able to walk in, moaning to them about it [wet towels on bedroom floors]!”

Despite the emptiness of the house, Beckham expressed how grateful he is for the relationship he has with his children. His sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, still make time to spend with him, with Brooklyn occasionally inviting him to the pub when he’s in town with friends. Beckham fondly remembered how, despite their independence, the boys continue to show affection for their father.

While the shift in family dynamics is undoubtedly emotional for Beckham, it’s clear that he is incredibly proud of the way his children have turned out, especially given the challenges they faced growing up in the spotlight. Beckham has previously admitted his fears about his children being negatively affected by fame, particularly because they were born into a life of privilege. Raised in a working-class household by his parents, Ted and Sandra, Beckham was worried that his own children might grow up to be entitled or ungrateful. However, in his recent Netflix documentary, Beckham, he expressed his pride in their achievements, noting that despite their famous parents, his children have grown up to be well-adjusted and grounded.

“We have tried to give our children the most normal upbringing as possible,” Beckham explained in the documentary. “But you have got a dad who was England captain and a mum that was Posh Spice. And they could be little s**ts and they are not. That’s why I say I am so proud of my children and I am so in awe of my children the way they have turned out.”

Beckham’s deep love and pride for his children is clear, and the former footballer has always been an involved and dedicated father. His children’s growth and independence have been a source of both joy and sorrow for him, as the reality of an “empty nest” looms.

Alongside his reflections on fatherhood, Beckham also addressed the ups and downs of his marriage to Victoria, which were highlighted in his Netflix series. The couple faced significant challenges, particularly in 2004 when allegations of an affair between Beckham and former assistant Rebecca Loos emerged, leading to a difficult period in their marriage. In the documentary, Victoria opened up about how their relationship was tested during that time, admitting that it was the “hardest period” of their lives. Despite their struggles, the couple has remained together, with Victoria sharing her gratitude for their relationship and acknowledging that it has grown stronger over time.

The full interview with David Beckham will be available in the April issue of Men’s Health UK, set for release on March 4th, and is already available online.

As Beckham continues to navigate the challenges of being a parent to grown-up children, his reflections offer a touching insight into the complexities of family life, the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up, and the unwavering pride he feels in his children’s accomplishments.

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