Manchester United defender Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect.
The former England right-back, 35, told the Man United website: “I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had.
“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.
“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 have been part of the team’s achievements and the club’s great success.”
Neville made his debut for United in 1992, coming into the senior team with the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and his brother, Phil.
He played an amazing 602 games for United, notching just six goals. But what he lacked in goals, he made up for in trophies, winning eight Premier League titles and picking up a Champions League medal.
He also represented England 85 times and is regarded as one of the nation’s best ever full-backs.
Following a series of injuries and the emergence of young Brazilian Rafael Da Silva, Neville has now called time on his career.
There are some rumours he will move into a media career with a void left at Sky Sports following the recent departure of Richard Keys and Andy Gray.
Now former teammate Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Neville, calling him “the best right-back in Premier League history” on Twitter.
