AFTER MAKING 602 appearances for Manchester United, winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one European Cup, as well as playing 85 times for England, Gary Neville last night announced his immediate retirement from football.

Talking of a player synonymous with Manchester United’s most successful era, the manager Alex Ferguson said last night the 35-year-old was “the best English right back of his generation”.

The player himself, whose passion for his only club was celebrated by United fans and made him a target for rivals, said: “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.”

Although he had been expected to retire at the end of the season, the timing of the announcement led to immediate speculation he would join Sky’s roster of pundits in the wake of the sacking of Andy Gray.

Neville said last night: “I have been a United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had. 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 be a part of the team’s achievements and the club’s great success.

“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.

“I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life, however the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United ”

Guardian Service