Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he broke down in tears after telling his Manchester United players and staff about his decision to retire in 2013. In his new book, Games of My Life, the former United boss describes how he fled to his office and cried after making the emotional announcement.
Ferguson had been United manager for almost 27 years, delivering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues and a host of other trophies. He had been talked out of retiring in 2002 by his family, but in 2013, following the death of his wife Cathy's sister, Bridget, he decided it was time to step away.
Emotional announcement at Carrington
Writing in the book, Ferguson said: "I had been careful to keep my decision to retire under wraps. I hadn't been contemplating retirement until October 2012, when Bridget, Cathy's sister, had died. On the surface, and for fans, I'm sure nothing had seemed wrong. I was in good health."
He added: "I tried to keep myself fit. I felt as if I had plenty of energy even though, when my hip flared up, I sometimes thought I would never want to be seen on the track alongside the pitch with a walking stick. I was enjoying the club and the football, but Bridget's death changed everything."
Ferguson noted that only his wife and sons knew about his decision until David Gill, the former United CEO, told him in February that he too was retiring. He said: "I managed to keep my emotions in check while I conveyed my news to the coaching staff, players and everyone else at Carrington. It wasn't until I got back to the office and shut the door that everything caught up with me."
Final games and aftermath
Ferguson described sitting at his desk and crying, knowing it was over. He said: "I just sat at my desk and cried. I knew then it was over. I'd not be taking this team to Wembley or to European games and I'd not be sending a team out to win a cup or a league. After I wiped my eyes, I thought I had better clear out quickly before the news was made public."
Four days later, United faced Swansea City at Old Trafford. Ferguson recalled sitting in the dressing room with masseur Rod Thornley, thinking he would never have that experience again. He said Thornley replied with confidence, "You'll never last. You'll be back next year. Don't worry about that."
Ferguson received a guard of honour before the Swansea game and lifted the club's 20th top-flight trophy after a 2-1 win. His final Premier League match was a 5-5 draw away at West Brom. He then went to France on holiday, where the concierge confirmed he would no longer need special messages regarding the Premier League fixture list.
Ferguson wrote: "He was referring to the announcement of the Premier League fixture list, which typically arrives mid-June. Normally, I would be anxious to see it, desperate to know who our first game was against, the rhythm of the season and then the final run-in. But for the coming season it was no longer my responsibility and I could concentrate on enjoying my first free summer since I was a boy."
Games of My Life by Alex Ferguson publishes on 8th October by Macmillan.
