If anyone watches football, soccer for Americans, there is no way in hell that he wouldn't know the legend Alex Ferguson. This is not even an overstatement! That is how revered and popular Ferguson is with the footballing world. One of the most fabled and dramatic journeys of football will come to an end this month leaving a gaping hole in the English Premier League after Sir Alex Ferguson announces his retirement.

The 71 year old champion behind the victories, and defeats, of Manchester United with which he shares a 26 year old bond decided to hang up his boots. He is not just a person who has brought United the ultimate status in the game but he has also raised its value commercially taking it to stellar heights currently valued at $3 billion.

Ferguson is the man behind the popularity of the team United as a brand from the kids in the streets of Kolkata to the far western Colorado. His departure from the team will leave a gaping hole, a coveted spot desired by several top coaches in the game. At the moment, Everton boss David Moyes and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho are frontrunners for the position.

Under his management, Manchester United won 38 trophies in all the 26 years which include 13 EPL titles and two Champions League titles. He will retire after a punultimate game at his home ground Old Trafford against Swansea on May 12, and the final game leading the Red Devils against West Brom on May 19. This game would mark the 1,500th match for Ferguson with United.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It's the right time. It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," he said in a speech announcing his decision.

He would be the greatest manager Manchester United would have ever witnessed.

(AW- Anil)