Mr Reliable calls it a day

Gary Neville brought the curtain down on a magnificent career when he announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Neville made 85 international appearances, becoming England's most capped right-back.
The 35-year-old was one of the pillars on which Manchester United's Premier League dominance over the last two decades was built, winning eight titles between 1996 and 2009. Add to that two Champions League trophies, three FA Cups and two League Cups and you have a player who retires with few regrets.
Neville also appeared for his country at two World Cups and three European Championships, with a broken foot preventing him from playing in the 2002 World Cup and making a hat-trick of appearances in football's greatest international event. "I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," he said.
"Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now."

Best Crossers

Indeed, injuries took their toll in the latter years. Neville inherited the captain's armband from Roy Keane in November 2005, but within 18 months suffered a broken ankle in a challenge with Gary Speed during a Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers.
Although he eventually returned to the United side and repeatedly battled back from a series of muscular complaints, he was never the same player, having lost that yard of pace and the likes of Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Rafael were chosen at right-back more often than not.
Neville, who made 400 Premier League appearances, will be remembered as a player who truly realised his potential. Not only has he been one of the most consistent defenders since the Premier League's inception in 1992, but a genuine asset going forwards, regarded as one of the best crossers in the game when in his pomp.
Granted, goals were not his forte, and he was rarely on the scoresheet after netting his first United goal in a 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough in May 1997. Seven strikes in 602 matches demonstrate that his strengths were certainly at the other end of the pitch, but his average of three or four assists a season aided United in their numerous Premier League assaults.

Possible Route

His first-team career began in a September 1992 Uefa Cup tie against Torpedo Moscow and ended on 1st January 2011 as he helped the Red Devils defeat West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. In-between, he made it into the PFA Team of the Year on no fewer than five occasions.
"Gary was the best English right-back of his generation," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said.
"He is an example to any young professional, hard-working, loyal and intelligent."
Ferguson's Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger feels that Neville is the best right-back the Premier League has seen.
"If you look at his record, he has won absolutely everything and with the number of games he has played, he is without a doubt the best," said the Frenchman.
What next for Neville? Many believe he could excel as a pundit, while coaching cannot be ruled out either. Administration within the Professional Footballers' Association is another possible route.
If he demonstrates the same endeavor and professionalism he did as a player, Neville will surely thrive in whatever he chooses to pursue.