• Premier League

Fergie feels time is right for Van der Sar to retire

ESPN staff
May 3, 2011
Edwin van der Sar has been a dominant figure for Manchester United © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson has given up on the idea of persuading Edwin van der Sar to play on for another year, with the Manchester United boss feeling the time is right for the goalkeeper to call time on his career.

The Dutchman has had a stellar career, winning a string of trophies with Ajax, Juventus and Manchester United and at the age of 40 has taken the decision to retire.

United fans have campaigned to try and persuade the keeper to commit himself to one more season and it is a stance that has been adopted by Ferguson and the rest of the squad. However, it would appear the United boss is aware Van der Sar will not change his mind and upon reflection has accepted it is the right move.

"Sometimes when a player gets to an age, certain positions are easier and a goalkeeper is one, but all of a sudden age comes on you very suddenly and I would not want to see Edwin van der Sar in that situation," Ferguson said ahead of his side's clash with Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"He deserves to go out at the very top and hopefully he does. He has had a fantastic career, not just in what he has done on the field, but how he has carried himself as a professional and a human being. He has been absolutely outstanding.

"If you could see him in the dressing room before games and at half time, he is fantastic.

"My advice to him is yes this is the time because he has had such a fantastic career and there is no reason why he should play another year to risk dropping below his standards."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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