Published: May 08, 2013, 06:26 PM (IST)
Edited: May 08, 2013, 06:26 PM (IST)
Sir Alex Ferguson will be retiring after the end of the ongoing English Premier League season © Getty Images
Mumbai: May 8, 2013
The cricket fraternity on Wednesday paid tribute to the outgoing Manchester United football club manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who will be retiring after being in the position for 26 long years and taking the club to unprecedented heights.
The 71-year-old has won 38 trophies since taking over in November 1986, including this season’s Premier League title for one of the world’s most popular football teams.
Considered among the most successful managers of the game in Britain, his overall haul includes 13 titles, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time,” he said in a statement, announcing his retirement at the end of the current football season.
Many current and former cricketers reacted on the development on the microblogging site Twitter.
Former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash wrote, “Unbelievable manager was Sir Alex however some who r not Man U fans might say ‘thank god’ he’s gone !!!”
Herschelle Gibbs wrote, “Man united fans,i say scholes for manager and let sir alex be the mentor…need somebody who understands the set up and been thru it to..” (sic)
Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma expressed, “Sir Alex Ferguson you will be irreplaceable to the Reds you are one in a million #Legend.”
Michael Vaughan stated, “Sir Alex Ferguson .. 1498 games in charge .. 894 wins… 17 missed through tough line bans… #GreatestEver.”
He added, “26 years .. 24 Real Madrid Managers 18 Chelsea 14 City and Bayern 13 Milan. 1 United Sir Alex Ferguson #GreatestEver.”
Former Australian quick Nathan Bracken said, “Loving hearing the out pour of respect for a true football legend Sir Alex Fergusion #SAF.”
South African cricketer Wayne Parnell wrote, “Sad to hear #SAF will be calling it a day at the end of this season. You’d have to go a long way to beat his achievements. #GGMU.”
England wicketkeeper and former skipper Alec Stewart said, “Congratulations to Sir AlexFerguson on a truly great career. Whichever team you support give huge respect to his achievements.” (sic)
