Bye to a legend!

On the eighteenth of February 1978, a legend was born and that legend was Gary Neville. Yesterday, Gary announced his retirement from professional football. In doing so, left the club he supported as a boy and had much success with as a player. This is my first posting and is great timing to honour one of my favourite players.

Neville was part of the famous team of 92' that won the FA youth cup which also included players like Scholes, Butt, Beckham and his brother Phil. The FA youth cup was the start of many medals in his illustrious career that cements his place in Manchester United and English football history. It wasn't just the hardware that makes him a legend, his antics on and off the field also made him a fan's favourite at Old Trafford. Two examples that i remember is his celebration after Rio Ferdinand's late goal at Old Trafford. He sprinted 50 yards towards the miserable and gutted Liverpool fans, kissing the Manchester United emblem. This action made Liverpool fans hate him even more but also strengthened an already great relationship with the United fans. The second one that comes to mind was the Rio Ferdinand drug incident. After hearing that Ferdinand was banned for a year and missing the World Cup, Neville tried convincing the England team to strike in disapproval of the verdict.  Eventually he was talked out of the idea by Rio but showed his passion and commitment for a fellow pro also his controversial side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C593bdnd1k

He was was my idol not only because he hated Liverpool as much as me, but because he was a world class right back. Rarely did you see him beaten one on one and playing against some of the best wingers the world had to offer,thats impressive. Also the gallivanting runs down the right wing were almost as spectacular and exciting as a Beckham cross or Scholes strike. Neville was part of the Euro 96' team which seems like an age ago, and has been part of the England set up ever since. I struggle to even remember who he replaced as the England right back. Who will replace him too?Since his injury problems England have not found a suitable replacement.

I hope he stays on at Manchester United in some capacity but he is rumoured to have been offered a job in the media. SkySports are lining him up to replace another controversial character in Andy Gray and to me couldn't be a better choice. He might be hated by many but I love him.

Thanks Gary for all the memories!

Honours
8 League titles
3 FA cups,
2 League cups
2 Champions League's
FIFA World Club cup
5 PFA team of the years awards
2 Team of the Decade awards