Alex Ferguson said he was surprised to see his former Manchester United star David Beckham sign for Paris St Germain.

Beckham had been looking for a new club since leaving LA Galaxy in November and snubbed interest from several Premier League clubs and other lucrative offers from around the world to join the French outfit on transfer deadline day.

Ferguson didn't think Beckham would come back to the Premier League as the boyhood United fan had previously said he could never play for another English club.

But the United manager was still shocked to see the 37-year-old former England captain unveiled by PSG on Thursday.

"I was surprised. I didn't see that," Ferguson told MUTV. "I didn't think he would join an English club. He always said he wouldn't after his career with United and he was true to his word. But I don't think anyone saw PSG coming."

While Beckham completed his high-profile move, English soccer was engaged in a typically frenzied finish to the January transfer window and Ferguson had no intention of being drawn into the mad scramble for new players.

"It is an absolute shambles," he said.

Beckham to start training on Feb 13

David Beckham won't start training with Paris Saint-Germain until Feb 13, the French club's sporting director Leonardo said on Friday.

"He will come with us to Valencia for the Champions League game the day before, but will not play. The idea is that he will start training on February 13," said Leonardo after PSG beat Toulouse 4-0 on Friday to extend its lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Leonardo confirmed that Beckham had returned to London immediately after being unveiled as a PSG player on a five-month deal on Thursday.

"Our agreement happened quickly and he had things to do."

Leonardo then shrugged off the doubts of employing a 37-year-old outfield player.

"He is going to be a huge surprise for you," said the Brazilian.

(China Daily 02/03/2013 page7)