“End of an era” – fans pay tribute as Michael Carrick announces retirement

“End of an era” – fans pay tribute as Michael Carrick announces retirement

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.