We have talked about it, hell some of us have demanded it for the sake of his health, most of us have feared it, but now on the 8th May 2013 Sir Alex Ferguson has retired. Writing that last line left me gut-wrenched, for I have been in all three categories, yet I know realize the massive effect of it all. Only last night I dreamed of visiting Old Trafford, getting a seat behind the Home Team area and being lucky enough to take a photograph with SAF (hell it was a dream right!).That dream is now crushed, but that is the only one, for SAF has fulfilled every other dream us united fans have ever had, we wanted he delivered it.
The term modern day great is over used these days, but if anyone deserves to be bestowed with it, it is Sir Alex Ferguson. His achievements as a manager are unparalled for any sport. His domestic conquests are there for all to see. He may not have won his fair share in Europe, but hey the Premier League is the most demanding league in the world, so cut him slack please, he never wanted it, but he deserves it. His greatness as a man is explained best by those around him. The support he has given to his players, his coaches and best of all fellow managers, speaks volumes about his personality. On top of that, here is a man who stands by what and who he believes in, he is a true leader of men. There are lessons one can learn from him about how to conduct yourself in life, two of which he brilliantly highlighted in the book ‘Sir Alex – 25 years” will always stay with me. One, if you are angry about something let people know it, don’t bottle it in and then go about kicking doors – that’s what vicious people do. Second, to be a successful person you must have five traits: energy, honesty, integrity, personality, and decision making. Simple lines, but only useful when heard from a great man.
Manchester United is not just a football club it is an empire that transcends boundaries, race, religion everything. It has conquered its followers with love and not force. It has beaten its opponents generation after generation. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Munich, Manchester United is engrained in the DNA of all its fans. A true fan of the club can be picked out from a queue, for they are the ones looking ahead while others look at them. They are the ones who love a challenge, for whom the easy way is just not an option. They are the ones who are calm in the face of adversity. That is true stature of the Manchester United empire for its followers are a reflection of the club and that is a massive thing to say in a planet so big.
Today is a massive day in History. For generations gone by, emperors have vacated their throne when it is the weakest. Today, for the first time an emperor leaves his throne when his kingdom is at its strongest. History is being rewritten and we should be proud to have been a part of it, while others have just witnessed it.
So, shed a tear, look back and rejoice a little, but most importantly, wish SAF a long and healthy retired life. Like he said, when he inaugurated his Statue, we hope he continues to outlive death. God bless you SAF, we are and will forever be in your debt.
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