Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season after more than 26 years in charge, bringing to a close a glittering managerial career in British football
The Premier League champions confirmed on Wednesday that the 71-year-old Scot would step aside.
"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," he said on the club's website.
Sir Alex took charge in 1986 and his arrival heralded an unprecedented period of success for the club, including 13 English league titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups, Reuters reports.
He also steered the club to two Champions League triumphs and FIFA's Club World Cup.
Sir Alex had been set to retire in 2002, but changed his mind. He will now join Manchester United's board.