David Beckham has had an unsightly 2ft-long tattoo etched over the entire surface of his right arm.

The marking, which he has showed off in its entirety for the first time, joins a clouds and cherub design over his shoulders with numerous other tattoos on his arm and wrist to make one continuous piece of 'artwork'.

Beckham revealed the design as he took his wife Victoria on a romantic break in Paris to celebrate her 33rd birthday - her last in England before the pair move to California.

The design was needled in two sittings by Manchester based tattoo artist Louis Malloy on Sunday 11th March and Tuesday 13th March, the day Beckham bid farewell to Manchester United fans.

It consists of two 'symbolic' pieces that reflect the 'deep turmoil he feels about going to LA' said a source close to the former England captain.

Most significant, said the source, are the words 'Pray For Me' inscribed on the inside of his right wrist.

"This is how he feels about the massive move from being an English boy through and through, who has represented his country for many years and is now turning his back on England to embrace America," the source said.

"The move was never an easy decision and it wasn't really David's, it was Victoria's from day one.

"The tattoo is not something Victoria wanted him to go ahead with as she felt it would not be a good start to their time in LA, but David was adamant that he would show his true feelings about the move and stop covering it up, even if it is rather cryptic," the source added.

The three words are inscribed next to another symbolic piece Beckham apparently wanted to reflect who he feels he has been for the past ten years - a Knight Templar, symbolised by a cross.

The Templar Knights, recognisable by their white mantle with distinct red cross, are for David the symbols of him and the England team.

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