Manchester United fans have paid tribute to Michael Carrick after the former England international announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old confirmed he will be hanging up his playing boots yesterday afternoon via the club’s official website.
“There comes a time when, as much as you like or don’t like it, your body tells you it’s time to stop playing football.” said the United star.
“That’s pretty much where I’m at, which is fine. It’s something you have to accept. That’s where I’m at.”
It had been long rumoured Carrick has to call it a day over the past year or so after well documented struggles with a heart problem, but the Englishman insisted he wanted to do things on his own terms and says he still hopes he can help his side in the final run in this season.
“I got back fit and I wanted to finish on my own terms really.” he continued, “At least I could decide and not be forced because of that, so I was determined to get back fit.
“I understood after getting back fit that I wouldn’t be playing as many games as perhaps I might have done, but that’s something that I understood. I’ve just been training hard and trying to keep fit and have managed to play a few games so far and we’ll see what happens towards the end of the season.”
Carrick joined Manchester United in 2016, and has enjoyed an illustrious spell at Old Trafford since his move from Tottenham Hotspur – winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League as well as 13 other major honours.
Michael Carrick confirms that he is retiring at the end of the season. Legend. Been a brilliant servant to the club. The end of an era.. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/jB8nMFX0bj
— Ryan. ? (@Vintage_Utd) March 12, 2018
Michael Carrick
Premier League – 5
Champions League – 1
Europa League – 1
FA Cup – 1
League Cup – 3
Club World Cup – 1The most underrated footballer to have completed football. Legend.
— Utd (@SimplyUtd) March 12, 2018
Michael Carrick appreciated by the greatest players and managers in world football. pic.twitter.com/J2StuVfri9
— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) March 12, 2018
Anyone who questions Michael Carrick's contribution during one of Manchester United's greatest ever eras isn't dealing with a full deck in my opinion. A vital cog in United's 2008 team and a serial trophy winner.
— Gary Thompson (@gary302) March 13, 2018
Michael Carrick has had quite the career at Manchester United. ?⚪️#mufc #mufcdesign pic.twitter.com/YL1i1EFbO4
— Peric Bozidar Design (@Fristajler) March 13, 2018
Michael Carrick ???? pic.twitter.com/zAkDpcHbAb
— United Report (@ManUtdReport_) March 12, 2018
Everyone talks about the likes of Scholes,Lampard & Gerrard. Yes they are legends of them game but it seems Carrick is the most unappreciated English midfielder & people seem to forget about his work he has done. Has won everything at a club level.
Underrated.WorkHorse.Legend.— Isiah Madrigal (@Realisiah1) March 12, 2018
Eric Dier:
“Michael Carrick was probably the best English player to play in that position. I was lucky enough to train a couple of times with him and he was just incredible. He controls the game from deep and is positionally and defensively very smart.”
— UnitedReview (@TheUtdReview) March 12, 2018
Michael Carrick: In seven seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, won five league titles and missed out on the other two by a combined total of one point. Elite.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) March 12, 2018
Can't believe it's not Scholes… It's CARRICK, you know!? #mufc? pic.twitter.com/JdblQ2CxHz
— All For United? (@allforunited) March 12, 2018