David Beckham has opened up about one of his fears for the future, when it comes to his kids growing up and moving on with their own lives.

Speaking to Men's Health UK, David said that the thought of having an empty nest with all four children living away from the family home was "actually painful".

Already, David admitted that he's found it difficult when his older children (sons Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz) moved out, although youngest child and only daughter, Harper, still lives at home with him and Victoria.

What to read next
london, england october 03 l r mia regan, romeo beckham, cruz beckham, harper beckham, david beckham, victoria beckham, brooklyn beckham and nicola peltz attend the netflix beckham uk premiere at the curzon mayfair on october 03, 2023 in london, england photo by karwai tangwireimage
Karwai Tang
David and Victoria Beckham with their four children.

"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]!" he said.

However, the father-of-four explained that he has a close relationship with all of his children and said that his sons make an effort to include him in their social plans.

london, england september 15 l r emmanuelle alt, edward enninful, romeo beckham, brooklyn beckham, cruz beckham, harper beckham, david beckham and anna wintour attend the victoria beckham show during london fashion week september 2019 at british foreign and commonwealth office on september 15, 2019 in london, england photo by darren gerrishwireimage
Darren Gerrish

"My boys are pretty good. They'll always ask me to the pub when they go with their mates,” David added.

He also explained that the children bond with their dad during skiing and snowboarding trips, when they can all connect with one another away from technology.

"It’s the best part, having those chats on the lifts or in the gondolas. You get into them. The kids can't go on their phones, they're just sat there and we're all chatting – it's amazing," he said. "Me and my boys, we are the first up and we're the last off the slope."

Reflecting on where he is in his life right now, David said he was "really happy" because he has his "business and an amazing family. My kids are all working hard, and they've all got passions, and that's what's important to me.”

a muscular male figure showcasing intricate tattoos on the torso and arms
Scott Trindle / Men’s Health

This year, on 2 May, David will celebrate a milestone birthday as he turns 50. When asked how he was feeling about the occasion, however, he wasn't phased.

“Doesn’t bother me one bit," he said. "People are asking me about it gently, like it should be a big issue. It's not something that I'm worried about, as long as I'm fit and healthy and my family are healthy, that's all I care about."

mens health magazine cover featuring david beckham
Scott Trindle / Men’s Health

The interview is available in the April issue of Men’s Health UK from 4 March or now on the Men’s Health UK website.