Gary Neville announces his retirement with immediate effect

Gary Neville has taken the decision to retire from football after 20 years of playing at Manchester United. It can’t have been an easy decision to make for the 36 year old but he’s keen to move forward and for Manchester United to also do the same without him. He will retire with immediate effect.

Gary Neville said;

I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had. 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 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.

There have also been so many great players that I have had the privilege to train and play alongside. The experiences we’ve shared will be with me for the rest of my life. 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.

I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life going forward. However, the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan.”

Two very random memories for me of Gary are firstly this video. One club. One Love.

The second was this.

There are no words. That picture is just 🙂

We wish him all the best and I wonder if we’ll see him on our TV screens very soon…

There will be much more to come from The Faithful about our memories of Gary Neville’s career in the next few weeks.