Retiring Manchester United ace Gary Neville is grateful to coach Ferguson for his support
Retiring Manchester United ace Gary Neville is grateful to coach Ferguson for his support Manchester United defender Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect, the player announced last night.
Veteran full-back Neville, who turns 36 later this month, has not played since Premier League leaders United's victory away to West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.
Neville paid tribute to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, the only club manager he has worked under.
"There are so many people I want to thank and, of course, top of that list is Sir Alex. He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years ufffd he is truly one of the greatest managers ufffd and I have to thank him for that."
Neville, a one club man, made 602 appearances for United, scoring seven goals, and also won 85 England caps.
"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I had," Neville said in a United statement.
"Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now.
"I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to have been part of the team's achievements and the club's great success."
Neville signed for United as a teenager in July 1991 and was a member of the celebrated side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992 where his team-mates included fellow future first-team regulars Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, his brother Philip and David Beckham.
His trophy-laden career saw Neville, who became United's club captain in 2005, lift the Champions League in 1999 as well as winning eight Premier League trophies, three FA Cups, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.
