LONDON : Manchester United's Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Tuesday announced his retirement from football.
Solskjaer, 34, is a hero at Old Trafford having scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, after coming on as a substitute.
But the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' has long suffered from knee problems and has played little over the last four years.
Solskjaer told the Man United website: "I would like to thank the manager, the coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters, who have supported me through my career. They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured.
"The support the fans and the staff showed me during that time was the main motivation for me making my comeback. I feel proud to have represented Manchester United for 11 years and have some very special memories."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to one of his greatest servants during his leadership of the club.
"Ending your playing career is a sad day for anyone, in the case of Ole, he has 11 fantastic years he can look back on," said Ferguson.
"Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve. He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional in his responsibility as a player, in his demeanour and his manners have always been exemplary. Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach."
United chief executive David Gill also paid tribute to one of the most popular players among the Old Trafford faithful.
"Ole has provided us all with some exceptional memories during his time here at the club," he said.
"Nobody will ever forget his dramatic winner in Barcelona, but much more than that his dedication and professionalism make him one of the great role models in football.
"Ole will be dearly missed as a player, but will go on to serve the club as an ambassador and a valuable coach."
Solskjaer had not appeared in any of United's matches this season.
His last game was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute at Wembley.
He has already spent time at United coaching young players as he looks forward to life after his playing career.
Solskjaer joined United from Norwegian side Molde for 1.5 million pounds in 1996 and helped United to seven titles in his time as well as the unprecedented treble in 1999.
He scored 11 goals as the Red Devils reclaimed their Premier League crown last season.
The former Norway international has made 366 appearances for United over the years, scoring 126 goals.
He was appointed a club ambassador last year - a role he is expected to continue and develop - and could well be given a long-term coaching position at the club he has served so loyally over the years.
The retirement of Solskjaer leaves Ferguson with only three recognised strikers - Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez - the latter being the only one presently fully fit.
There is also Chinese import Dong Fangzhou who has played only one match since joining United more than three years ago and was on the bench on Sunday against Tottenham, although he was unused.
-
CNA
