Van Der Sar to retire at the end of the season
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that he will hang up his gloves for good at the end of the current 2010-11 season of the Barclays Premier League. The 40-year-old cited personal reasons for his decision to retire.
The veteran shot-stopper has been mulling over his future with the Red Devils ever since his wife Annemarie collapsed with a brain hemorrhage in December 2009. Now the Dutchman says it’s time for him to look after his family.
Speaking on his decision to retire from football, Van der Sar said, “I cannot really identify a time when it (the decision) happened. Let's just say that it was playing on my mind from the moment (wife) Annemarie had her stroke. We decided on another year
in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 and thus to stay at Manchester United."
He added, "But, once engaged in the season, the thought of saying goodbye started to gnaw a bit more emphatically.”
Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United back in the summer of 2005. The Dutchman has been instrumental to the club’s success, helping them to three Premier League crowns and one Champions League title since his arrival. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
has hailed Van der Sar as one of the best keepers to ever play for the club, along with the legendary Peter Schmeichel.
Van der Sar insists that age was not a factor in his decision, claiming that even at 40, he is still feeling fit. His performances on the pitch have backed up his claims. The Dutchman is still more than capable of competing at the very highest level of English
football. However, he now believes the time has come to focus on his family life.
United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele confirmed that Van der Sar will indeed be leaving the club at the end of the season. He believes that the former Ajax player has secured his place in Manchester United folklore for his role in the club’s 2008 Champions
League triumph.
Steele said, “That penalty save in Moscow (in the 2008 Champions League final against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786) has elevated Edwin alongside Peter (Schemeichel).Edwin will retire at the end of the season. It has been a mutual decision between the manager, the team and Edwin.”
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