Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson on Wednesday confirmed that he will retire at the end of the current season on May 19th. In 27 years at the club, Ferguson won anastonishing 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League titles. The 71-year-old said that he would assume the roles of director and ambassador forUnited, going forward. From the official statement:
“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 organization 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 wellfor continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth setup will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.
“As for my players and staff, pastand 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 historyof 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 Ihave 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, thankyou. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honor and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time asmanager of Manchester United.”