Manchester United beat Stoke City away from home is a matter of course. It's no surprise that they tied mussy's 9-game winning start in a row. The unexpected thing comes from the old captain Gary. Neville.
Neville was changed at the beginning of the second half and went back to the dressing room. Although he was called back by manager Ferguson, everyone could see that Neville was not happy.
This is Neville's 600th game for Manchester United, but he was replaced in an embarrassing way in the second half. Of course, he was not reconciled. More importantly, as a veteran, Neville this season's poor chance to play, which also detonated Neville's dissatisfaction.
After the game, Neville accepted an interview with reporters. In the interview, Neville first expressed his pleasure for the team to win and draw the best start of the Premier League, and then regretfully said: "it's a great honor for me to be the captain of this great team of Manchester United, but as the captain, I sit on the bench most of the time, which makes me feel very painful. Now Manchester United is a soldier I think it's time for me to leave
Neville's departure made the sensitive reporters aware of what they immediately asked Neville whether to retire or transfer?
Neville flatly denied the transfer saying, "I've been a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan all my life. Playing here, I've got all the glory I can dream of. Although I hate the day when I finally leave, it's a pity that we can't avoid this day. I decided to retire during this winter break
Neville has already expressed his idea of retiring, but journalists, fans, including Manchester United coaches and players all think Neville will have to wait until the end of this season at the earliest, or even support another season. No one can imagine that he announced that he would retire during the winter break, and he announced so early.
After Neville's post match interview, Manchester United fans were shocked.
"God! Garry is retiring during the winter break
"Why announce it now?"
"Is this a fight with the Baron?"
"What's the matter, old captain?"
"It's not like being replaced, is it?"
"Sir Alex doesn't give the old captain face. In fact, even if the old captain delays, he can win in Stoke City."
"I think the reason is not so simple. Maybe the fuse has already been buried. Neville has only played a few games this season."
"That is to say, he is the captain in name, but he can't even play in the game. It's better to retire if he is dead or alive."
"Who's going to suppress the dressing room if you quit?"
"If the old captain quits, who will be the next one?"
……
There is a lot of discussion on the Internet, some support Neville's retirement, some retain Neville, Neville's supporters complain that Ferguson is too excessive and does not give Neville face, Ferguson's fans accuse Neville of making trouble and making Ferguson unable to come down, and the fans of both sides quarrel with each other on the Internet and in reality.
Some players saw Neville's interview next to him, so on the bus back home, Neville's retirement during the winter break spread all over the team.
Manchester United players are very surprised, of course, some people are surprised and happy, such as Ferdinand, Vidic, Rooney, Fletcher, they are hopeful to replace Neville's captain position.
In the presence of Ferguson and Neville, the players held back their curiosity and no one talked to them. Only Scholes and Giggs pulled Neville to the back of the bus and asked him what happened?
Neville whispered: "I'm tired. I'm going to be 36 years old. It's time to get out of injury."
Scholes said seriously, "why do you say it at this time?"
"I think this is the right time," Neville said
Giggs frowned and said, "Gary, are you dissatisfied with the boss?"
In the face of two decades old friends, Scholes did not hide, frankly said: "just changed the game that meeting, I was a little dissatisfied, but now I have to start, I should retire, I am different from you two, I am the captain, but can not play, this is like a stone in my heart, I don't want to go on like this."
"You're going to get the boss into trouble by announcing that," Scholes said
Neville said with a smile: "boss, if you don't go through any big storm, it's nothing."
Giggs pondered: "in fact, the boss has always kept you because the position of the captain is not easy to arrange. You said that Ferdinand and Vidic should be appointed. Now that you are here, the boss can delay. When you retire, the boss must appoint one person. No matter who is appointed, the other person will not be convinced, and now Rooney can't be convinced."
Neville said: "sooner or later, someone will be the captain, so I don't think so much about it."
when the bus arrived in Manchester, Ferguson said to the crowd: "today, we tied Chelsea's record of winning the Premier League in the first round in a row, and it was xiaodonggao's birthday. I arranged a celebration birthday party for you at the Hotel Lauri. Let's go to Heipi together."
although everyone was jittery about Neville's retirement, Ferguson said he could cheer up, and everyone was happy again.At the Laurie Hotel, monkey, shawl and Manchester United staff have already prepared the wine, dishes and cake.
Let's wish Gao Xiaodong a happy birthday. Gao Xiaodong blows out the candle, cuts the birthday cake and gives it to his teammates and coaches. Then everyone raises a glass and drinks.
In the banquet, Ferguson already knew the news that Neville announced his retirement in an interview, but Ferguson did not say anything. After everyone happily finished the banquet, Ferguson asked Neville to drive himself home.
On the way, Ferguson said to Neville: "do you know why I replaced you at that time?"
"I understand," Neville said
"Then why did you announce your retirement?" Ferguson said
Neville said: "boss, I was a bit impulsive when I said that, but now I want to understand that I have achieved everything in 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 grew up watching you. Don't I know you? Don't say that. Tell the truth
Neville gave a wry smile and said: "yes, boss, I really want to play, but I'm too stubborn and competitive, but my body can't support my competitive spirit and sense of honor. I think it's harmful to the team if I stay on the field, so I decided to retire."
Ferguson sighed and said: "yes, Gary, among those people in class 92, the best talent was Giggs, and the worst was you. When you first joined Manchester United, many people thought that you would leave if you didn't persist in 50 games. However, you have persisted all the way, and have played for Manchester United for 20 years. You have become an example to all young professional players: hardworking, loyal and fearless. Your influence and leadership in the dressing room have always been my wealth. However, professional football is the world of young people. When you are old, you have to accept sporadic time to play and be replaced at any time. If your self-esteem makes you unacceptable, retirement is also a good choice. I support you. You have paid too much for me and Manchester United. You have the right to do everything you want, bag "Stay."
Neville seems to go back to the green years 20 years ago when he and his team-mates of class 92 dominated the green field under the leadership of Ferguson. He said with emotion: "boss, I can have today's achievements, thanks to a lot of people, but the most important thing is that you have given me so many opportunities and support in the past 20 years. Without you, there would be no Gary of Manchester United. Neville. But now it's time for me to leave. I'll stand at the last post before the winter break to help you establish a new Manchester United captain
Ferguson sighed and patted Neville on the shoulder. "Gary, now that you've decided to retire, enjoy the last part of your life. I'll deal with this headache. Well, it's time to stop. "
"All right."
Neville stops. Ferguson grabs Neville's head, kisses him on the forehead, walks out of the car, straightens his waist and strides to his villa. Neville doesn't notice that the corners of Ferguson's eyes are wet in the dark.