Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United boss

 Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that he will step down as manager of Manchester United at the end of this season of English Premier League.  His final game will be against West Brom at Old Trafford which is incidentally his 1500^th match as the boss of Man U. He will , however, remain with the club as a director.

In his 26-year-old reign he has won 38 trophies including 13 EPL titles, two Champions League, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time,” Ferguson said.

“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so,” he said.

“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,” 71-year old added.

In his tribute, British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted:  “Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional.”

Manchester Chief executive David Gill says: “What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten.”

Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer says: “His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.”

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential,” Sir Alex Ferguson said.

“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,” said Alex Ferguson.

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