The most prolific soccer personality of our times, 71-year-old Manchester United Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement as the manager of his club after a regime of over 26 years at Old Trafford. The news is perhaps the biggest in the soccer world today, coz he is undoubtedly the most successful football manager ever seen in soccer winning as many as 38 trophies, including 13 league titles for his club and one FIFA Club World Cup. Chief executive David Gill has also announced his retirement along with Alex. Actually, he had to retire back in 2002, but, somehow, he changed his mind and decided to continue his winning streak and finally added many more titles to his name. Retiring after winning current EPL title is like retiring from the top which is well suited to his class of soccer personality. It is very hard to find a suitable replacement for a manager like Ferguson, but things need to continue as before, hence two names are in the front to take his position: one is Everton’s Scot David Moyes and another is Madrid’s Jose Mourinho. Notably, Moyes’ ten-year contract with Everton is also going to expire after this season, however, nothing has been announced officially; all these are media rumors. New roles for Ferguson include serving the club as director and ambassador.
Offering his long speech on the occasion of his departure, Ferguson, who has always been in the news for his aggressive comments, emotionally said, “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.
“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.
“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.
“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.
“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”