Manchester United's win away at Stoke City was a no-brainer, and it was no surprise to tie Chelsea's nine-game winning streak at the start of the campaign, with the surprise coming from veteran captain Gary. Neville.

Neville was substituted at the start of the second half, and went straight to the dressing room to change his clothes, and although he was called back by manager Alex Ferguson, everyone could see that Neville was unhappy.

It was Neville's 600th game for Manchester United, but he was substituted in a very awkward way in the second half, and he certainly didn't want to. What's more, as a veteran in the team, Neville has few opportunities to play this season, which also detonates Neville's inner dissatisfaction.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Neville first expressed his delight at the team's win to equalise the best start in the Premier League, and then regretfully said: "It's a great honour for me to captain this great team, but as captain I sit on the bench most of the time, which makes me feel miserable. ”

Neville's departure made sensitive reporters realise something, and they immediately asked whether Neville wanted to retire or transfer?

Neville flatly denied the transfer claims, saying: "I've been a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan all my life, and I've had all the glory I could dream of playing here. As much as I hated the day I finally left, unfortunately we couldn't avoid it and I decided to retire this winter break. ”

Neville has actually expressed the idea of retiring for a long time, but reporters, fans, including Manchester United's coaches and players believe that Neville will have to wait until the end of this season to retire at the earliest, and may even support another season.

After Neville's post-match interview aired, Manchester United fans were shocked.

"God, Gary is going to retire during the winter break!"

"Why announce it now?"

"Is this fighting with the lord?"

"What's wrong with the old captain?"

"It's not going to be like that when you get replaced, is it?"

"The lord doesn't give the old captain face, in fact, if you fight Stoke City, even if the old captain drags back, you can win. ”

'I don't think it's that simple, maybe the fuse was planted a long time ago, Neville has only played a few games this season. ”

"That is, he is nominally the captain, but he can't even play the game, he is not alive or dead, it is better to retire. ”

"If you retire, who will suppress the locker room?"

"If the old captain retires, who will be the next captain?"

……

There was a lot of discussion on the Internet, some supported Neville's retirement, some kept Neville, Neville's supporters complained that Ferguson went too far and did not give Neville face, and Ferguson's fans accused Neville of creating an incident and making Ferguson unable to get off the stage, and fans on both sides quarreled online and in reality.

A player saw Neville's interview on the side, so on the bus back, the news that Neville was going to retire during the winter break spread throughout the team.

Manchester United's players were very surprised, and of course there were others who were surprised and delighted, such as Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney, and Fletcher, all of whom were looking to take over from Neville as captain.

In front of Ferguson and Neville, the players held back their curiosity, and no one talked to each other, only Scholes and Giggs pulled Neville to the back of the bus and asked him what was going on?

Neville whispered: "I'm tired, I'm about to be 36 years old, I'm riddled with injuries, and it's time to retire." ”

Scholes said solemnly, "Why do you say it at this time?"

Neville said: "I think now is the right time. ”

Giggs frowned and said, "Gary, are you dissatisfied with the boss?"

In the face of two old friends of decades, Scholes did not hide it, and said calmly: "I was a little dissatisfied when I was just replaced, but now I have thought about it, I should retire, I am different from the two of you, I am the captain, but I can't play, this is like a stone in my heart, I don't want to go on like this." ”

Scholes said, "If you announce this, you're going to get the boss in trouble." ”

Neville smiled: "The head has not passed through any strong winds and waves, this can be nothing." ”

Giggs muttered: "Actually, the boss has kept you because the captain's position is not easy to arrange, you said that Ferdinand and Vidic should be the one, now that you are here, the leader can still delay, you retire, the leader must appoint one person, no matter who is in charge, the other person will not be convinced, and now Rooney can't convince the public." ”

Neville said: "Sooner or later, someone is going to be the captain of this team, so I don't think about it so much." ”

When the bus arrived in Manchester, Ferguson told everyone: "Today we equalled Chelsea's Premier League opening streak and it was Xiao Donggao's birthday, so I arranged a birthday party for everyone at the Laurie Hotel. ”

Although everyone was apprehensive by Neville's announcement of retirement, Ferguson said that it was okay to have a good time, and everyone was happy again.

When we arrived at the Laurie Hotel, Monkey, Xiao Le and the Manchester United staff had already prepared the food and drinks, and the cakes.

Everyone wished Gao Xiaodong a happy birthday, Gao Xiaodong blew out the candles, cut the birthday cake and distributed it to his teammates and coaches, and then everyone toasted together.

During the banquet, Ferguson already knew that Neville announced his retirement in an interview, but Ferguson did not say anything, and after everyone had a happy dinner, Ferguson asked Neville to drive him home.

On the way, Ferguson said to Neville: "Do you know why I replaced you at that time?"

Neville said, "I understand. ”

Ferguson said: "Then why did you announce your retirement?"

Neville said: "Chief, I was a little impulsive when I said that, but now I figured it out, I've got everything at Manchester United, I'm 36 years old, the pitch 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 yet? Don't say such clichés, tell the truth." ”

Neville smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, Boss, I actually want to play, but I am too stubborn and competitive, and my body can't support my competitiveness and sense of honor, I feel that it is harmful for the team to continue to stay on the field, so I decided to retire." ”

Ferguson sighed and said: "Yes, Gary, the group of people in the class of 92 that year, the most talented was Ryan Giggs, and the worst was you, when you first joined the Manchester United team, many people thought that you would leave if you didn't last 50 games." However, you persevered and after 20 years at Manchester United, you became a role model for all young professionals: hardworking, loyal and courageous. Your influence and leadership in the dressing room has always been an asset to me but professional football is a world for young people, and when you are older, you have to accept sporadic time playing and being substituted at any time, and if your self-esteem makes you unacceptable, retiring is also a good option, I support you, you have given so much for me and Manchester United, you have the right to do everything you want, including staying. ”

Neville seems to have returned to the green years 20 years ago when he and his teammates in the class of 92 were led by Alex Ferguson, and he said excitedly and emotionally: "Boss, I have many people to thank for what I am today, but the most important thing is you, 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, and I'll be on my last shift before the winter break to help you secure a new Manchester United captain. ”

Ferguson sighed and patted Neville on the shoulder, "Gary, since you have decided to retire, let's enjoy the last part of your life, I will take care of this headache." Well, it's time to get to the place, park your car. ”

"Okay. ”

Neville stopped the car, Ferguson grabbed Neville's head, kissed him on the forehead, got out of the car, straightened his back, and strode towards his villa, in the night, Neville did not notice that the corners of Ferguson's eyes were already wet.