SIR ALEX FERGUSON: "THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, BOSS"

Sir Alex Ferguson, a legend of Manchester United

On 8 May 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United, after serving them for more than 26 years (since November 1986). This incredible fact (something impossible to believe here in Spain) has made him overtake a United´s legend such as Sir Matt Busby.

Alex Ferguson was a good forward who played for some Scottish teams

Sir Alex Ferguson was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 31 December 1941. He played as a forward for several Scottish teams like St. Johnstone, Dumferline Athletic, Glasgow Rangers or Ayr United before retiring as a footbal player in 1974.

Alex Ferguson scores a goal for Ayr United in 1973

He started his coaching career in Scotland  in teams such as St. Mirren and Aberdeen. Ferguson took Aberdeen to the greatest success of its history, defeating Real Madrid 2-1 in the European Cup Winners´ Cup in 1983 on a day I will never forget (unfortunately for me).

In November 1986 he was appointed manager of Manchester United. With this team he has become one of the most successful football coaches in Europe. Among the competitions he has won are: 13 Premier Leagues (including this last one); 5 FA Cups; 4 League Cups; 2 Champions Leagues (1999 and 2008); 1 Cup Winners´ Cup (apart from the one with Aberdeen); 1 UEFA Super Cup and 2 World Club Championships.

Ferguson has won lots of trophies.

In addition, he has won a great number of individual awards as a manager, including winning Manager of the Year most times in British Football History. He was even knighted in 1999 for his services to the game.

Sir Alex Ferguson was knighted in 1999 for his services to the game

All in all, he has become one of the most admired and respected managers in the history of the game. It is not strange that the announcement of his retirement has shocked everybody who likes football. It will be extremely difficult to replace him and almost impossible to fill in the gap he leaves behind.

Some newspaper headlines announcing Ferguson´s retirement

As Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Manchester United for six years,  said when he heard the news: "Thanks for everything, Boss".

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Alex Ferguson was like a father for him

 In 1999, he lived probably his best moment in football. They came from back to win Bayern Munich 2-1 in the last two minutes. He then pronounced one of his most famous sentences:

                          "I can´t believe it, I can´t believe it. Football. Bloody Hell!"



And this is a tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson. The world of football will never forget him.