It was natural for Manchester United to beat Stoke City away, and it was no surprise to tie the Mourinho Chelsea's 9-game winning streak. The unexpected came from the old captain Gary Neville.

After Neville was replaced at the beginning of the second half, he changed his clothes and had to go back to the locker room. Although he was called back by head coach Ferguson, everyone could see that Neville was very unhappy.

This is Neville's 600th game for Manchester United, but he was replaced in a very embarrassing way in the second half. Of course, he is unwilling to give up. More importantly, as a veteran in the team, Neville has fewer opportunities to play this season, which also triggered Neville's inner dissatisfaction.

After the game, Neville was interviewed by a reporter. In the interview, Neville first expressed his joy for the team to win and tie the best start of the Premier League, and then said regretfully: "Being the captain of this great team of Manchester United is a supreme honor for me, but as the captain, I spend most of my time sitting on the bench, which makes me feel very painful. Now that Manchester United is strong and young players are gradually mature, I think it's time for me to leave."

Neville's departure made sensitive reporters realize what they immediately asked if Neville was going to retire or transfer?

Neville flatly denied the transfer statement, "I have been a Manchester United player all my life and a Manchester United fan. I have also won all the glory I can dream of when playing here. Although I hate the day I finally left, unfortunately we cannot avoid this day, and I decided to retire during this winter break."

Neville actually has long revealed his thoughts of retirement, but reporters, fans, including Manchester United coaches, all believe that Neville will have to wait until the end of this season to retire, and may even support another season. No one would have thought that he would announce that he would retire during the winter break, and that it was announced so early.

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

"God! Gary is about to retire during the winter break!"

“Why announce it now?”

"Is this a fight with the Lord?"

"What's wrong with the old captain?"

"It's not like this if you're replaced, right?"

"The Lord is too disrespectful to the old captain. In fact, even if the old captain drags his feet, he can win."

"I think the reason is not that simple. Maybe the fuse has been buried long ago. Neville has only played a few games this season."

"That's right, he is the captain in name, but he can't even play the game. If he doesn't live or die, he might as well retreat."

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

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

...

There was a lot of discussion on the Internet, some supported Neville's retirement, and some tried to keep Neville. Neville's supporters complained that Ferguson was too much and did not give Neville face. Ferguson's fans accused Neville of causing trouble and preventing Ferguson from coming to Taiwan. Fans on both sides were quarreling online and in reality.

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

Manchester United players were all very surprised, and of course some were also surprised and happy, such as Ferdinand, Vidic, Rooney, and Fletcher, who all had the hope of taking over Neville's captain position.

In front of Ferguson and Neville, the players all resisted their curiosity. No one was talking in person. Only Scholes and Giggs pulled Neville to the end of the bus and asked him what was going on?

Neville whispered: "I'm tired, I'm 36 years old soon, I'm suffering from injuries, so it's time to retire."

Scholes said seriously: "Why do you say it at this time?"

Neville said: "I think it's the right time."

Giggs frowned and said, "Gary, are you dissatisfied with your opponent?"

Facing two old friends who had been decades, Scholes did not hide it and said calmly: "I was a little dissatisfied when I just replaced the game, but now I have already figured out that it is time for me to retire. I am different from you two. I am the captain, but I can't play. It's like a stone pressing on my heart. I don't want to continue like this anymore."

Scholes said: "You declare this way, it will cause trouble for the boss."

Neville smiled and said, "What can this be considered if you haven't passed by the strong wind and waves."

Giggs pondered: "Actually, the leader has always kept you because the captain's position is not easy to arrange. You said that Ferdinand or Vidic should be the one? Now that you are there, the leader can still delay. When you retire, the leader must designate one person. No matter who you are, the other person will not be convinced. Now Rooney cannot convince the public."

Neville said: "As sooner or later, someone will be the captain, so I won't think about it so much."

When the bus arrived in Manchester, Ferguson said to everyone: "Today we drew Chelsea's Premier League winning streak, and it was Xiao Donggao's birthday. I arranged a birthday party for everyone at the Laurie Hotel. Let's have fun together."

Although everyone was panicked by Neville's announcement of retirement, Ferguson said he could have a good time and everyone was happy again.

When we arrived at the Laurie Hotel, Monkey, Shaw Le and Manchester United staff had already prepared the wine, dishes and cakes.

Let’s wish Gao Xiaodong a happy birthday. Gao Xiaodong blew the candles, cut the birthday cake and distributed it to his teammates and coaches, and then everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

During the banquet, Ferguson already knew that Neville announced his retirement in an interview, but Ferguson did not say anything. After everyone happily finished the banquet, Ferguson asked Neville to drive himself 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: "Boss, I was still a little impulsive when I said that, but now I figured it out, I have already got everything at Manchester United. I am 36 years old and the stadium is no longer my stage. Maybe I should be a commentator or learn to be a coach."

Ferguson frowned and said, "You guys were grown up when I watched you. Don't know you yet? Don't say such clichés, tell the truth."

Neville smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, boss, I really want to play, but I am too stubborn and competitive, but my body cannot support my competitive spirit and sense of honor. I think it is harmful to the team for my continued staying on the court, so I decided to retire."

Ferguson sighed and said, "Yes, Gary, the best talented group of people in Class 92 back then was Giggs, and the worst one was you. When you first joined Manchester United, many people thought that you would leave if you didn't persist in 50 games. However, you actually persisted all the way and played for Manchester United for 20 years. You have become a role model for all young professional players: diligence, loyalty, courage and fearlessness. Your influence and leadership in the locker room have always been my wealth. However, professional football is the world of young people. When you are old, you must accept sporadic time and be replaced at any time. If your self-esteem makes you unacceptable, retirement is also a good choice. I support you, you have paid too much for me and Manchester United, and you have the right to do everything you want, including staying."

Neville seemed to have returned to the green years he and his teammates in Class 92 led by Ferguson. He said excitedly and emotionally: "Boss, I have to thank many people for my achievements today, but the most important thing is you. You have given me so many opportunities and support over the past 20 years. Without you, there would be no Gary Neville of Manchester United. But now I really should leave. I will stand in the last shift before the winter break and help you establish a new Manchester United captain."

Ferguson sighed and patted Neville on the shoulder, "Gary, since I have decided to retire, I will enjoy this last life. I will handle this headache. Well, I'm here to park."

"OK."
Chapter completed!