Source: Daily_Mail
Gary Neville retires from Manchester United
Gary Neville has retired from football after finding out he had been left out of Manchester United's 25-man Champions League squad. [LNB]The 35-year-old full back, who has played in only four games for United this season after a long struggle with injuries, brought to an end a career that spanned nearly 19 years at Old Trafford and achieved virtually every honour. [LNB]He said: 'I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had.[LNB]Read Matt Lawton's verdict on Red Nev, the true fighter who bristled with attitude Bleeds Red: Gary Neville (centre left) was one of Manchester United's most passionate and committed players of recent times[LNB]'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. For me, that time is now.[LNB] 'I have played in the most incredible teams, playing with and against some of the best players in the world, and I have been lucky to be a part of the club's great success.[LNB]'I am looking forward to newexperiences and the club will always be a part of my life. However, themost important thing is for the club to continue with the successsynonymous with Manchester United.' [LNB] Last action: Neville was fortunate not to be dismissed at West Brom on New Year's Day[LNB]One of those new experiences could be replacing the disgraced Andy Gray as the No 1 football pundit on Sky Sports. [LNB]However, he has also been touted as acoach at United and a possible successor to reserve-team boss OleGunnar Solskjaer, who has taken charge at Molde in his native Norway. [LNB] Decorated: Neville (right) won eight Premier League titles with United[LNB]United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had to cut a senior player from the 25-man Champions League squad to be announced by UEFA today in order to make way for goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.[LNB]And there is no place for injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves.[LNB] Outstanding: Neville was the best English right back of his generation and won 85 international caps[LNB]With a choice between Neville, Wes Brown and Bebe, Ferguson chose his former club captain. [LNB]Man United European squadGoalkeepers: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Lindegaard[LNB]Defenders: Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Smalling, Vidic, Fabio, Rafael, O'Shea, Evans, Gill [LNB]Midfielders: Anderson, Giggs, Park, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia, Gibson, Norwood [LNB]Forwards: Owen, Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, Obertan, Bebe, King, W Keane[LNB]Neville had anticipated playing some part in the campaign - even the final at Wembley in May. But he has not played a minute of European football since last season's quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich. [LNB]His final United game was the New Year's Day away win over West Bromwich Albion, when he was substituted after being lucky not to give away a penalty for a foul on Graham Dorrans. [LNB]Ferguson said: 'Gary was the best English right back of his generation. He is an example to any young professional; hard-working, loyal and intelligent. His fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club's supporters. [LNB]'All the young players who have sought his advice, particularly on contract issues, owe him a great debt.'[LNB] Brothers in arms: Gary broke into the first team shortly before his brother Phil (left), and the pair won the 1999 European Cup together[LNB] [LNB] Matt Lawton: Red Nev, the true fighter who bristled with attitudeNeville lined up to be new Sky Sports pundit when dust settles on LinogateI'm back! Rooney targets hot streak in front of goal after deadly doubleNani warns United's rivals to watch Rooney after striker ends droughtAll the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Gary Neville, Alex Ferguson, Andy Gray, Bebe, Wes Brown, Nani, Owen Hargreaves Places: Norway
