Gary Neville<\/a> has revealed that he felt ready to retire when he made the decision to hang up his boots early this season.<\/p>\nThe 36-year-old former England international called time on his 19-year Old Trafford career in February, and despite making more than 600 appearances for the club, he admits that he was starting to feel the strain towards the end.<\/p>\n
“It was a struggle towards the end for me,\u201d he told the club\u2019s official television station MUTV<\/em>.<\/p>\n“I was ready for it, when people finish their career they miss it. I feel content and happy, watching the games and enjoying it.”<\/p>\n
As well as admitting to feeling the strain on the pitch, Neville also revealed that the monotonous routine of a professional footballer was taking its toll on him as well. <\/p>\n
“Hotel, rest, match, eat, sleep. That was the pattern, you are institutionalised into being like that. You have a privileged lifestyle but have to be professional.”<\/p>\n
The former United captain was well-known for his passion for the club and has continued his support since his retirement, attending games amongst the fans.<\/p>\n
“I just wanted to go and watch a few games normally, we decided to queue up outside. I wanted the real atmosphere and really enjoyed it. It was a different experience.”<\/p>\n
With Manchester United sitting at the top of the Premier League, into the semi-final of the FA Cup and progressing well in the Champions League, talk of the club repeating their famous treble of 1999 has started to grow recently, but Neville echoed the caution of Sir Alex Ferguson when questioned on the subject.<\/p>\n
“You never think about winning a treble – you’re playing Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday and you don’t have time to think about games that are six weeks away.”<\/p>\n
Neville also praised the impact of summer signing Javier Hernandez so far this season and believes that the striker has become a key player for the Old Trafford side.<\/p>\n
“He can play a big part – he’s got an eye for goal, great movement, a little bit selfish and is always working and chasing down. <\/p>\n
“It lifts the whole stadium when you see someone with that talent working like that.”
<\/em>\n<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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Continued here:
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The 36-year-old former England international called time on his 19-year Old Trafford career in February, and despite making more than 600 appearances for the club, he admits that he was starting to feel the strain towards the end. 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