Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson Officially Retires

It is a sad yet happy day for the world of football as Manchester United manager of 26 years, Sir Alex Ferguson, has announced his retirement will be final following the completion of the current 2012-13 English Premier League campaign.

In his 26 years he has won 13 English titles, Five FA Cups, Four League Cups, 10 FA/Community Shields, Two UEFA Champions League titles, One UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, One UEFA Super Cup, One Intercontinental Cup and the 2008 FIFA World Club Cup.

Along the way he has led his side to remarkable come backs, remarkable double and treble trophy winning campaigns and more importantly has himself become the most successful manager in English Football history.

There are few things left to even say about a man with a legendary football status that have not already been said. A class act from head to toe, Sir Alex will be missed by both his fans and his critics as there are few rare gentlemen of his status left in the game.

However, he will remain with Manchester United as the director of football and you can better believe that he will have a large amount of input on who will be his next successor.

Here is an excerpt from his full retirement speech as published by Manchester United’s official website this morning:

“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.

I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career…”

Congratulations on a long and successful career to one of football’s greatest men and greatest managers, you will be missed by most certainly never forgotten by fan or respecting rival.