Sir Alex
Ferguson’s Farewell Speech to Old Trafford
12 May 2013
I’ve got absolutely no script in
my mind, I’m just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this
football club has meant to me.
First of all, it’s a thank you to
Manchester United. Not just the directors, not just the medical staff, not just
the coaching staff, the players or the supporters, it’s all of you. You have
been the most fantastic experience of my life.
I have been very fortunate. I’ve
been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone
Manchester United. All these players here today have represented our club the
proper way - they’ve won the championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to
the players.
My retirement doesn’t mean the
end of my life with the club. I’ll be able to now enjoy watching them rather
than suffer with them.
But, if you think about it, those
last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all part of this great
football club of ours. It’s been an unbelievable experience for all of us, so
thank you for that.
I’d also like to remind you that
when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the
players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is
important.
Before I start bubbling, I just
want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes, who retires today. He’s unbelievable; one
of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have.
Paul we wish you a good
retirement and I know you’ll be around annoying me! Also I’d like to wish
Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to our club.
The players... I wish the players
every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey
you’re wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don’t ever let
yourself down. The expectation is always there.
I’m going home, well, I’m going
inside for a while, and I want to say thank you again from all the Ferguson
family. They’re all up there, 11 grandchildren - thank you.
