AFTER decades of training hard and watching what they eat – and drink – it must be tempting for footballers to hit McDonald’s and the off licence after hanging up their boots.

But this lot have proven it is possible to avoid the temptation of making up for lost time at the takeaway.

22David Beckham still looks in elite shape despite retiring a decade agoCredit: Splash News

22Beckham looks as good now as he did in his heydayCredit: PA:Empics Sport

From David Beckham to Paolo Maldini, check out the former football stars who maintained their elite physiques when their career was long-gone…

DAVID BECKHAM

BELIEVE it or not, Golden Balls retired from football with his swansong spell at Paris Saint-Germain SEVEN years ago.

Despite that, Becks, 47, has kept a footballer’s frame.

Now owner of MLS side Inter Miami and a part-owner of Salford City alongside his Class of 92 pals, Beckham is still very much involved in football.

Beckham is still a very marketable name too, regularly popping up in adverts an even movies, including a role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in 2015.

PAOLO MALDINI

22Paolo Maldini shirtless at the beach in MiamiCredit: Splash News22Maldini arguably looks stronger now than he did as a playerCredit: Getty – Contributor

NOW aged 54, Maldini is still in tip-top shape.

The AC Milan legend spent his whole career at the San Siro and is arguably the best defender of all time.

But despite retiring in 2009, Maldini has kept fit by turning his hand to professional tennis, competing at the Aspria Tennis Cup in Milan in 2017.

Maldini is now back at AC Milan, working as technical director.