Untied Champion Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Retires

• Times Online , Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:30 PM

The man who scored perhaps the most famous goal in Manchester United history retired from the game on Tuesday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a loyal 11-year veteran of Alex Ferguson's Red Devils, announced "after much deliberation and with deep sadness" that he'd finally lost his battle with chronic knee problems. The 34-year-old striker, who many believe is one of the greatest finishers in the history of the game, will remain at United in a coaching capacity and as an ambassador for the club.

"I would like to thank the manager, the coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters, who have supported me through my career," Solskjaer said. "They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured. I feel proud to have represented Manchester United for 11 years and have some very special memories." Solskjaer, who scored 126 goals for United appearing mostly as a substitute, must surely go down as one of the greatest bargains in team history, joining the Red Devils for $2 million in 1996.

"Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve," Ferguson said. "He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional in his responsibility as a player, in his demeanor and his manners have always been exemplary." No one will ever forget his dramatic last-minute winner in the 1999 Champions League final, the year United won the Treble.

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