Retirements, like London buses, come rarely at Old Trafford and then two happen in the space of a week. Following Edwin van der Sar into the football afterlife comes Gary Neville, who today announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect. Precipitated perhaps by Sir Alex Ferguson’s likely decision to omit the 35-year-old defender from Manchester United’s Premier and Champions League squads, Neville retires today after more than 600 games for the club.
Declared the “greatest English right-back of his generation” by Ferguson, Neville’s determination and desire throughout a trophy-laden career overcame any technical limitations. After serving United for two decades Neville retires with eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League in 1999 to his name.
But the defender’s career is more than the weight of games played or trophies accumulated. The Bury-born player is a leader of men, serving as club captain for five years and mentor to countless youngsters coming through the ranks. Neville has become a leading symbol of modern United.
“I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had,” said Neville today.
“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.
“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 – he is truly one of the greatest managers – and I have to thank him for that.
“Also, I’d like to thank all the coaches I have played under from youth level right through to now, who have guided me through my playing days. And finally, the fans, who have always shown me unbelievable support. They know how special they are to me and this club.”
Neville débuted for the club aged 18, coming through the ranks of the now famous ‘class of 1992,’ along with his brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham. But it wasn’t until ’95 that the older Neville took United’s right-back spot as his own, permanently replacing Paul Parker, and making his bow for the national side in the same season. Save for injury during the latter years of his career, Neville has rarely experienced anything but success at club level.
On the international front, Neville retires as the most capped full-back in his nation’s history and would surely have reached 100 caps bar for successive injuries over the past three years.
Yet, Neville will be remembered at United as much for his contribution off the pitch. Articulate and knowledgable about the game, Neville has rarely shirked a forthright opinion. And at the heart the 35-year-old is a fan, passionately celebrating United’s successes with those on the terraces. Sometimes to the ire of the game’s authorities.
Neville also gained a reputation for militancy, reportedly petitioning England’s players to strike following Rio Ferdinand’s eight-month ban for missing a mandatory dope test in 2003. Yet, Neville also retires having mentored dozens of youngsters, often acting as a de-facto agent for those players without representation.
“Gary was the best English right back of his generation. He is an example to any young professional; hard-working, loyal and intelligent,” Ferguson told ManUtd.com.
“As a United fan born and bred, his fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club’s supporters everywhere.
“His impact on the club in general has been huge; his presence in the dressing room and leadership qualities have been an asset to me as a manager.
“All the young players who have sought his advice on many matters, particularly on contract issues owe him a great debt. As a young boy he had the will and determination to succeed as a footballer and that character remained with him throughout his career. That’s the legacy he leaves every young player at Manchester United.”
There seems little doubt though that Neville will continue at the club in a coaching capacity despite talk of employment at Sky in recent weeks. Neville’s forthright analysis would no doubt be a welcome addition to any broadcaster, although it seems more likely Ferguson will retain the defender’s influence in-house.
United supporters will surely endorse that.
Career Statistics
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Quotes
“I can’t disagree with his decision on Tévez. He was a good player for us, but if the financial demands are too big then that’s just the way it goes. Other good players have left this club in the past. It’s not the first time it’s happened.”
On Ferguson’s decision not to sign Carlos Tévez.
“Fans can say what they want, they can sing about you, so, if they want to give it out, then you should be able to take a bit back and everyone should just accept that’s just the game we are in.”
On mocking Liverpool supporters.
“I signed a contract at 16 which promised me £29.50 a week for two years, so I didn’t come into this for the money. I came here because I loved playing football and playing for United.”
On love his for the game.
“This is Danny. He’s 18 and he’s won the league.”
Introducing Danny Wellbeck to Michael Owen.
“What motivates me is to keep winning. To be part of teams that win things, the hour after the game, the night of celebration – it is the most incredible feeling you are ever going to get in your life. I have had it quite a few times but you never get enough of it.”
On winning
Patrick Vieira is 6 foot 4, and he starts having a go at Gary Neville, so I said ‘come on have a go at me,’ that’s it.
Roy Keane
“Leaving Manchester United in football terms is like falling off the end of a cliff.”
In Pictures
absoulutely adore that danny welbeck comment!!
great servant to the club, and hope he stays at the club
cheers for the memories gaz
He doesn’t want your love.
He wants your hate to feed upon.
Farewell Gary. Now bring on Rafael – what a replacement
He is a perfect role model for many young players and i am sure that he has had a major role to play in Rafael’s meteoric improvements on the pitch. Truly a United Legend. Loved him both on and off the pitch.. Hope he stays to mentor the young cadre of defenders.. Farewell Gary.. and thanks for everything…
Thank you and good luck in the future.
Cheers Nev, perfect timing, you’ve been fantastic. Still love watching old DVDs of you and Beckham combining down the right to win us trophy after trophy.
You are a GREAT man. It takes guts and greatness to realise that your time is up. At your peak I backed you against any winger. ANY. Too many great memories. Thank you very much. For me, you reside in the same place as SAF, Ole and Roy Keane amongst my favourite United people.
Can’t you take ginger Paul with you? Please?
lol Cal, you head case
agree with what you say about Red Nev
I get the feeling that Scholes might retire (unless he suddenly puts some amazing performances in before June) this summer. Giggsy’s defo having another year. Neville should have gone last year. Sad that his final performance was the West Brom away game (is that right?) when he was dreadful. He played well against Milan last year and I think that maybe convinced him of another season.
Interesting comments from Fergie yesterday,
“I will probably have an interest in Manchester United in some capacity of course but the important thing is to cut yourself completely off,” Ferguson told ESPN.
“I would never go to any other job or anything like that, no chance. Once I’m finished at United I’ll be heading for the hills and the sunset. I will be taking a rest but the important thing for anyone who retires is to be active, so I will take other interests up.”
Retirement is clearly on his mind too.
We’ve had some briliant pros at United in the last 20 years & Gary was one of the best. He worked so hard to improve his game & got better & better going forwards. A pity for him & for the team & fans that he never really recovered from the Bolton injury in 2007, so we all missed out on a few years of him at his best. I still think that world class fullbacks should score goals & Gary panicked when he had a sight of goal. I can’t see us ever getting another player who will be so committed to the cause & capable of geeing up the team like Gary. The genuine article & thanks for so many happy memories. Clearly the right time to go; hope he can help the twins to become two of the best in the world. Now we are down to two & by next season the oldest one of them all could be the only survivor.
Gary is Mr Man United; his never-say-die attitude, his winning mentality and his willingness to stand up and be a leader make him one of the great ones; Off the pitch he is surprisingly articulate and very knowledgeable and I can see him going on to be a coach; Well done Gaz and thanks for the memories!
Off topic; what is going on with the Glazers and United’s ownership?
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/glazer-family-move-ownership-of-manchester-united-to-a-company-in-delaware-2524840.html
Maybe a comment is in order Ed?
eddie – I wouldn’t read too much into this or get your hopes up. Many US corporations, as well as high-value taxable items like yachts, are registered in Delaware for tax purposes. It’s like the Switzerland of the US.
The Glazers are probably saving money by doing this and, as your link suggests, putting themselves in a position to owe fewer answers about financial structure.
Thank you for the explanation
Eddie – Andersred sums it up well here – http://andersred.blogspot.com/2011/02/pik-repayment-trail-goes-colder-as.html
Thank you for the link
oh great here come the fake platitudes
maybe if oshea starts gobbing off constantly about liverpool he’ll get em too despite alsao being a shite player
mr man utd ffs
Thanks for everything, GNev. Smart move to go now instead of waiting.
Hopefully, he’s headed straight into a coaching position in the Academy.
I think Wenger said it best… he wasn’t the most talented… but he made up for it with hard graft, intelligent defending, professionalism, and consistant performances.
Yeah, there will be some over the top praise, but he was still a brilliant player for United.
You know what Alfie, I am so sick and fed up with this nonesense about him not being talented and such hogwash!! It takes talent to tackle and not make fouls. It takes talent to be a defender and stop so called talented fowards from getting the better of you in most games. At his peak, only David Ginola gave Neville a hard time as far as I can remember. It takes talent to be able to read a game. For someone not so big, not a ‘unit’ to have played so many games for the first team as centre-back too and then as RB takes plenty of skill and talent! And then we forget that to be a full back for an Alex Ferguson side you must have a very good attacking side too – G Neville had a mean crossing ability. He was barely 21 when he was raiding up and down the England right flank at Euro 96. Who can forget his first time cross onto the head of Shearer against Scotland? His crossing was overshadowed by Beckham’s freakish ability to cross from geometrically impossible situation.
My summation: As a natural defender, Neville was as talented and as skilfull as he needed to be. If Carragher had HALF of Neville’s talent he would have played more times for England. So let us not even begin to make out that he was a no talent fellow who just got by.
Knobby, you are just jealous of the man. You just might choke on the bile someday if you are not careful..
Great comment lol
i would have added another quote by Red Nev. After Keano retired Gary was made captain and he said that he would only be remembered as a captain if there’s an image of him lifting a trophy.
Well, i remember him as a captain; i remember him kissing a trophy; not the infamous Paul Scholes’ kiss!
lol
he talks a lot and tackles a lot 1 of the best crossers of the ball his retirement come a little late wish he retire 2 years back before ha became awful
He “became awful” due to injuries that just kept coming and coming. If he hadn’t gotten crocked in 2007 (was it 2007?) he’d have probably still been a regular, if not 1st choice. Maldini played on until 40, remember.
I’m not suggesting we retire the #2 shirt obviously!
ffs…tbf you speak like a right cunt