Wenger said the 37-year-old’s latest move would be good for Beckham – and for French football.

“Beckham is a world brand and the eyes will be on him, and on PSG, therefore also on the French league while he is there,” Arsenal’s French manager said.

“I don’t know if he had offers from all around the world, but PSG is not a bad choice because they are a very ambitious club, who have a lot of potential.

“They look to extend their reputation at the moment, and Beckham certainly is a good part in that.”

Wenger joked that Beckham had Arsenal’s training sessions to thank for his new club – but warned that the player was still some way short of being match-fit.

He added: “It just shows you how efficient we are with our training sessions. He came here to practise once, and straight away he was bought by Paris St Germain.

“But I believe he has to go through physical preparation and it will take him a few weeks to be completely match-fit.”

Beckham will not join up with PSG until February 11, after the international break.

He has signed a five-month contract initially but will consider extending it on a rolling basis if the Qatar-owned club are interested in doing so ahead of next season.

Alex Ferguson was taken aback by Beckham’s decision to move to the French capital.

The Manchester United manager was not surprised at Beckham spurning numerous offers to return to the Premier League, having previously said he could never play for an English club other than the Red Devils, with whom he began his career.

However, the Scot did not expect him to turn up in the French capital.

“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.”

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti last night hailed the arrival of Beckham, claiming the midfielder can match the longevity of Paolo Maldini.

Speaking after his team’s 4-0 league win at Toulouse, Ancelotti told beIN Sport, according to www.psg.fr: “I know David Beckham very well. Everyone talks about his image, but I want to emphasise his professionalism and quality on the pitch.

“It is true that he is not young, but he has experience. Maldini won the Champions League at the age of 39, so Beckham still has lots of time ahead of him.

“He must train as he has returned from vacation, but he can play every position in midfield – defensive, with his passing ability, or on the right even if he does not have the speed of Lucas.

“He can help the team have a great season. I am very happy with his arrival. I had the opportunity to coach him for six months at Milan. It was an exceptional experience.”