I do ask myself sometimes why I’m retiring – Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United

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Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has admitted that he sometimes wonders why he is retiring at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper joined the Red Devils from Fulham in 2005 and helped the team to win three Premier League titles, one Champions League, a League Cup and a Club World Cup. And despite putting in strong performances and maintaining his fitness, the Dutchman has chosen to hang up his gloves at the end of the season.

“I do ask myself sometimes why I’m retiring,” Van der Sar told The News of the World.

“A lot of people have spoken to me about precisely this question.

“Physically, I don’t need to stop. I’m still as fit as a fiddle, although nobody can carry on playing for ever. Now that I’ve passed 40, I feel quite simply that this is the best time to stop.

“This is a decision I have not made on my own – I also consulted my wife Annemarie, my solicitor Rob Jansen and my manager Alex Ferguson.

“After I’d spoken to Ferguson last year we both came to the conclusion that it would be best if this were to be my final season.”

Van der Sar is expected to be United’s last line of defence on Sunday, when his side take on Arsenal in their quest to win the Premier League.