The football world is reeling from Gary Neville’s announcement that he is retiring from the game. Well not really, but for Manchester United supporters it is a gentle cue for the end of a Golden Era, with one of the three-pronged Legends hanging up his boots. It seems it’s only a matter of time before Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs (despite both seeming able to carry on) make the similar call.

In an era of fickle Spaniards it seems appropriate to hail Neville as a model professional. No player has divided opinion quite like him: fans abhor him a little, or plenty. Jamie Carragher is a similar figure at Liverpool: a man you loathe unless you support the club he plays for. Either way you cannot help but admire his allegiance. Neither player was born with incredible technical ability, but they have proved that sacrifice and tenacity are vital to succeeding in the modern game.

While Ryan Giggs is United’s model persona, the fine wine, the vintage motor, Gary Neville embodied the on-field persona of his manager. How many a referee do you think has swallowed a goblet of Nev spit? Ever the pot-stirrer, Neville was never shy about his distaste for modern day agents. “It is one of my pet hates when I see players who have agents that do everything for them. They don’t know how to set up their own bank account, they don’t know what they’re spending their money on and they can’t make their own decisions. A player doesn’t need to pay between five and 15 per cent of his wages to a guy to set up a bank account, buy him a new fridge, or ask his club’s chief executive for a pay rise.” A man of refreshing candor.

His public disapproval of Liverpool and its people is well-documented, but it is also reciprocated. Steven Gerrard admits in his autobiography: “Growing up in Huyton, I was taught to loathe United, their fans, players, manager, kit-man, mascot – everyone associated with Old Trafford. And during 90 minutes of football I want United to die.”

While he dislikes the Merseysiders, his pride in his own club cannot be ignored.

“I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had,” Neville said in a statement on United’s website. “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.

“There are so many people I want to thank and, of course, top of that list is Sir Alex [Ferguson]. He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years – he is truly one of the greatest managers – and I have to thank him for that.”

“There have also been so many great players that I have had the privilege to train and play alongside. The experiences we’ve shared will be with me for the rest of my life. Also, I’d like to thank all the coaches I have played under from youth level right through to now, who have guided me through my playing days.

And finally, the fans, who have always shown me unbelievable support. They know how special they are to me and this club.

“I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life going forward. However, the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan.”

The man whose facial hair never progressed past the look of a 15-year-old with a fake I.D. played for the Red Devils 602 times in a career that began way back in 1991. Both he and brother Phil began at United below the likes of defenders Paul Parker, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and Dennis Irwin. Back when Leeds United were a genuine ‘rival’, Neville had this to say:

“I still remember Steve Bruce ripping me to shreds at Elland Road, Mark Hughes charging at me just because I hadn’t played the ball into the channel, Eric Cantona giving me the stare, Keaney and Incey snarling. And that was before you had to face the manager.”

There are few players that demonstrate an understanding of the traditions of club football: John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Totti, Xavi and Gary Neville are all players that have shown unconditional loyalty to one team. In an era where capitalism has a stranglehold on global football, these players deserve special mention, because when they kiss their badge, they mean it. But Nev has a different type of devotion. What player has become so caught up in the moment of victory that he locks lips with his ginger teammate in the heat of battle? I am referring to United’s win at City last season when he embraced Paul Scholes. Only Bum Fluff.

Neville won eight league titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League medals in a shining career, which made him one of the club’s most decorated players. He also won 85 caps for England, the most ever for an English right-back. While a player like Steven Gerrard will always be remembered for his technical brilliance, ironically it is Neville that will be remembered as the more decorated player.

It is believed that Sky has reserved him a role as a TV pundit. I’d have to say that’s a stroke of genius, as that’s where he can continue his personal mission to wind up every non-Manchester United supporter. Good luck, Jamie Redknapp.

[Source: Telegraph]

Image via The Sun.