Announcing
his decision to retire, Sir Alex Ferguson
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.
“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, providing a bedrock of
both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has
meant to me.
“As
for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for
a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to
deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of
this great club would not be as rich.
“In
my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular,
gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a
football team.
“Over
the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage
Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate
to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I
am truly grateful to all of them.
“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.”
Joel Glazer said: “Alex has proven
time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he’s also a wonderful
person. His determination to succeed and
dedication to the Club have been truly remarkable. I will always cherish the wonderful memories
he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow.
Avie Glazer said: “I am delighted to
announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the Club as a director. His contributions to Manchester United over
the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him
to be a part of its future.”
David Gill said: “I’ve had the
tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable
years – through the Treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous
signings.
“We
knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for
it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class
condition.
“Alex’s
vision, energy and ability have built teams – both on and off the pitch – that
his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.
“The
way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is
something that I admire. It is a side to
him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been
privileged to witness in the last 16 years.
“What
he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be
forgotten. It has been the greatest
experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be
able to call him a friend.”
- Thirteenth league title in 26 years will be his last
- Most successful manager in English football history to become a director of Manchester United FC
