Sir Alex Ferguson gave a moving speech to the Old Trafford faithful after calling time on his 27-year reign at Manchester United. After watching his side edge to a 2-1 victory over Swansea through a late Rio Ferdinand winner, he made his way on to the pitch and – after embracing each of his winning players, addressed the audience.
Ferguson, whose voice trembled as he sporadically choked up during his off-the-cuff speech, called upon his fans to back incoming manager, David Moyes as well as thanking the supporters, his players and his staff. "When we had bad times here the club stood by me," said the 71-year-old, talking about the start of his reign at Old Trafford. "Your job now is to stand by your new manager. That's important." Ferguson, who spoke before United lifted the Premier League trophy, also paid tribute to one of his greatest servants during his time at Old Trafford and wished Darren Fletcher a speedy return to the squad. Talking about Paul Scholes, who also retired yesterday, Ferguson said: "Before I start babbling, I would just like to pay tribute to Paul Scholes who retires today. He is one of the greatest players this club has ever had and ever will have.'
"I also wish Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to the club.' "Thank you to all of you,' added the most successful manager English football has ever seen. "It's been the most fantastic experience of my life. "I've been very fortunate to manage the greatest players in this country. They have all represented this club in the proper way. Well done to the players. I will be able to enjoy watching them, not suffering with them." He also urged his players to keep up the high standards set by the Scot next season under Moyes. He added: "I wish the players every success in the future". "You know how good you are, you know the jersey you are wearing and do not ever let yourselves down." As his brief, but emotional, address came to an end, the Scot said: "I just wanted to say thank you again from all the Ferguson family, they are all up there.
Thank you; thank you.' After Ferguson's moving speech, United were awarded their 20th league title in front of a sold-out Theatre of Dreams. Rather than the captain, Nemanja Vidic, lifting the cup first, the Serbia centre half allowed his mentor to raise the trophy to rapturous applause from the home crowd. Robin van Persie, who has been instrumental in his club's success this season, said of his first Premier League title: "It means the world to me, I couldn't have wished for this year to be better." On Ferguson's retirement, the Dutchman said: "It was a really sad day, everyone understands it. From my point of view, it was a massive year for me. To work with him for one year even though it's just one year. 'He's a great manager and a great person. He's amazing."
Via: Sun News Online
He had to go cos age is no longer on his side and his family really need his attention right now. It had to happen at a time.