• Premier League

Capello: Stress behind Ferguson's retirement

Fabio Capello claims stress Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to do a bit of travelling © PA Photos

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Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to retire as Manchester United manager is nothing to do with his health, according to his son Darren, but Fabio Capello claims stress is one of the reasons why the Scot opted to call time on his managerial career.

It was recently confirmed by United that Sir Alex, 71, would have a hip operation in the summer causing him to miss part of the club's pre-season tour and possibly the beginning of the Premier League season.

However, Peterborough boss Darren, says that his father has just come to the point where he feels the time is right to step aside.

"He spoke to us, he felt it was the right time. We all sort of abided by that, there were no issues," he told twentyfour7football.com. "There's no problem with his health, contrary to what some people are saying. He's got a small hip operation but there's no difference to most 71-year-olds there and so it's not a health decision.

"Basically he feels he's gone out at the right time, he's left the club in a fantastic position, very healthy, they've hired a very good manager to replace him.

"The main reason is he's got a lot of outside things. If he didn't, there'd be worries because when people retire that's when you can have ill-health - when you don't keep yourself occupied."

Meanwhile, former England manager Fabio Capello has spoken to Ferguson and says his retirement is due to stress and a desire to travel.

He said: "I called him yesterday and he told me he has decided to go now because there is too much stress nowadays. Always having to win something is very challenging, and he told me he wanted to go around the world with his wife."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.