Chapter 807 Announcement of Retirement
It was a matter of course that Manchester United defeated Stoke City in an away game, and it was no surprise to tie Chelsea's 9-game winning streak at the beginning. The unexpected thing came from the old captain Gary. Neville.
After Neville was replaced at the beginning of the second half, he changed clothes and went back to the locker room. Although he was called back by head coach Ferguson, everyone could see that Neville was unhappy.
This was Neville's 600th game for Manchester United, but he was substituted in a very embarrassing way in the second half of the game. Of course he was not willing to accept it. More importantly, as a veteran in the team, Neville has had very few playing opportunities this season, which also triggered Neville's inner dissatisfaction.
After the game, Neville accepted an interview with reporters. In the interview, Neville first expressed his happiness that the team won and tied for the best start in the Premier League, and then regretfully said: "Being the great team of Manchester United The captaincy of Manchester United is a great honor for me, but as captain, I sit on the bench most of the time, which makes me feel very painful. Now that Manchester United has a strong team and young players are gradually maturing, I feel that it is time for me to leave. .”
Neville's departure made sensitive reporters realize something. They immediately asked Neville whether he wanted to retire or transfer?
Neville categorically denied the transfer, "I have been a Manchester United player and fan all my life, and I have received all the glory I could dream of playing here. Although I hated the day I finally left, I regret it. This is the day we cannot avoid and I decided to retire during this winter break."
In fact, Neville has already revealed his thoughts of retiring. However, reporters, fans, including Manchester United coaches and players all believe that Neville will have to wait until the end of this season to retire at the earliest, and may even support him for another season. No one would have thought that he would announce that he would retire. He retired during the winter break and announced it so early.
Manchester United fans were shocked after Neville's post-match interview was broadcast.
"God! Gary is retiring during the winter break!"
"Why announce now?"
"Is this a fight with Sir Alex?"
"What happened to the old captain?"
"It won't be like this if you are replaced, right?"
"Sir Sir Alex is too disrespectful to the old captain. In fact, if we play against Stoke City, we can win even if the old captain is holding us back."
"I think the reason is not that simple. Maybe the trigger has been laid for a long time. Neville has only played a few games this season."
"That's right, I'm the captain in name, but I can't even compete in the game. I'd rather quit if I live or die."
"If we quit, who will suppress the locker room?"
"If the old captain retires, who will be the next captain?"
…
There was a lot of discussion on the Internet. Some supported Neville's retirement, and some wanted to retain Neville. Neville's supporters complained that Ferguson went too far and did not give Neville face. Ferguson's fans accused Neville of causing trouble and preventing Ferguson from stepping down. Fans from both sides were noisy online and in person.
Some players saw Neville's interview nearby, so on the bus back, the news that Neville was retiring during the winter break spread throughout the team.
The Manchester United players were very surprised, and of course some were surprised and happy, such as Ferdinand, Vidic, Rooney, and Fletcher. They are all expected to succeed Neville as captain.
In front of Ferguson and Neville, the players suppressed their curiosity. No one discussed it in person. Only Scholes and Giggs pulled Neville to the back of the bus and asked him what happened?
Neville whispered: "I'm tired. I'm about to turn 36 and suffer from injuries. It's time to retire."
Scholes said seriously: "Why do you say it at this time?"
Neville said: "I think now is the right time."
Giggs frowned and said: "Gary, are you dissatisfied with the boss?"
Facing two old friends of decades, Scholes did not hide anything and said calmly: "I was a little dissatisfied when I came off the field, but now I have thought about it. It's time for me to retire. You two are different,
I'm the captain but I can't play. It's like a stone weighing on my heart. I don't want to go on like this. "
Scholes said: "If you announce like this, it will cause trouble for the boss."
Neville smiled and said: "Boss, there are no big winds and waves, so what does this mean?"
Giggs pondered: "Actually, the boss has kept you because it is difficult to arrange the captain's position. You said which one should be Ferdinand or Vidic. Now that you are here, the boss can still delay it. You retired. One person must be appointed as the leader, and no matter who is appointed, the other person will not be convinced, and now Rooney cannot convince the public."
Neville said: "Sooner or later, someone will be the captain, so I won't think about it so much."
When the bus arrived in Manchester, Ferguson said to everyone: "Today we tied Chelsea's winning streak at the start of the Premier League, and it's Xiao Donggao's birthday. I have arranged a birthday celebration party for everyone at the Lawry Hotel. Let's go and have fun together. .”
Although everyone was panicked by Neville's announcement of retirement, Ferguson said they could have some fun, and everyone was happy again.
When we arrived at Laurie Hotel, Monkey, Xiao Le and the staff of Manchester United had already prepared wine, food and cakes.
Everyone wished Gao Xiaodong a happy birthday. Gao Xiaodong blew out the candles, cut the birthday cake and distributed it to his teammates and coaches, and then everyone toasted and drank.
During the banquet, Ferguson already knew the news that Neville announced his retirement during the interview, but Ferguson did not say anything. After everyone happily finished the banquet, Ferguson asked Neville to drive him home.
On the way, Ferguson said to Neville: "Do you know why I replaced you at that time?"
Neville said: "I understand."
Ferguson said: "Then why did you announce your retirement?"
Neville said: "Boss, when I said those words, I was still a little impulsive, but now I think about it, I have achieved everything at Manchester United, I am 36 years old, and the stadium is no longer my stage, maybe I should be a commentator or learn to be a coach."
Ferguson frowned and said, "I watched you grow up, don't I know you well? Don't say such clichés, tell the truth."
Neville smiled bitterly and said: "Yes, boss, I actually want to play, but I am too stubborn and competitive, and my body cannot support my competitiveness and sense of honor. I feel like I can continue to stay on the field." It is harmful to the team rather than beneficial, so I decided to retire. ”
Ferguson sighed and said: "Yes, Gary, in the class of 92, the most talented one was Giggs, and the worst one was you. When you first joined Manchester United, many people thought you played 50 games. If you don't persist, you will leave. However, you persisted all the way and played for Manchester United for 20 years. You have become a role model for all young professional players: hardworking, loyal, brave and fearless. Your influence in the locker room and Leadership has always been my asset. However, professional football is a world of young people. When you get older, you have to accept sporadic playing time and be replaced at any time. If your self-esteem makes you unable to accept it, retirement is also a good choice. I support it. You, you have given so much to me and Manchester United, and you have the right to do whatever you want, including staying."
Neville seemed to have returned to the lush years when he and his teammates from Class 92 were on the green field 20 years ago under the leadership of Ferguson. He said with excitement and emotion: "Boss, I have to thank many people for what I have achieved today." , but the most important thing is you. You have given me so many opportunities and support in the past 20 years. Without you, there would be no Gary Neville of Manchester United. But now it is really time for me to leave, and I will stand firm before the winter break. Yibangang, help you establish the new captain of Manchester United."
Ferguson sighed and patted Neville on the shoulder, "Gary, since you have decided to retire, just enjoy the last part of your life. I will take care of this headache. Well, we are here, park the car."
"OK."
Neville stopped the car, and Ferguson held Neville's head, kissed him on the forehead, got out of the car, straightened his back, and strode towards his villa. In the night, Neville did not notice the corners of Ferguson's eyes. Already moist.
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