Sir Alex Ferguson recently announced his retirement from football management after 26 glory filled years at Manchester United winning 38 trophies. Ferguson was known for his verbal volleys affectionately called the ‘hairdryer’ treatment, but the big Scot also has a wonderful wit as well. Below are some of the best Sir Alex Ferguson quotes from those glory years.
source: Gordon Flood
“Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob? Jesus Christ, no chance. I wouldn’t sell them a virus.” – Alex Ferguson on Barcelona’s chances of signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It was a freakish incident. If I tried it 100 or a million times it couldn’t happen again. If I could I would have carried on playing.” – Alex Ferguson explaining his part in the infamous David Beckham ‘boot’ row.
Fergie and Italian football…. “When an Italian tells me it’s pasta on the plate, I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen.”
Alex Ferguson’s classic quote about former Italian striker Fillipo Inzaghi…. “That lad must have been born offside.”
Alex Ferguson on Jose Mourinho… “He was certainly full of it, calling me boss and big man when we had our post-match drink after the first leg. But it would help if his greetings were accompanied by a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paint-stripper.”
Fergie on arch rivals and neighbours Manchester City… “Sometimes you have a noisy neighbour. You cannot do anything about that. They will always be noisy. You just have to get on with your life, put your television on and turn it up a bit louder.”
“I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind.” – Alex Ferguson recalling when he first clapped eyes on Ryan Giggs.
Fergie’s title run-in talk…. “It’s getting tickly now… squeaky-bum time, I call it.”
“He could start a row in an empty house.” – Fergie on Dennis Wise
Alex Ferguson quotes on retirement
“I will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season and that is it.” - 2002
“I’m pleased to be staying – but once this contract is up, that will be it. I have no intention of staying on at the club in any capacity whatsoever.” – 2005
“I won’t be doing a Bobby Robson and be a manager when I am 70. It is just knowing when to quit. Football is like a drug which is difficult to give up.” - 2008
“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time.” – Sir Alex Ferguson announces the end of an era, May 2013.
