Manchester United defender Neville announces retirement

Manchester United right back and former England international Gary Neville announced his immediate retirement on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old spent his entire career at United, playing over 600 matches for the Old Trafford club and helping them win a raft of trophies including the Champions League and eight Premier League titles.

"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," Neville said in a statement on the club website (www.mufc.com).

"Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now.

"I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to have been part of the team's achievements and the club's great success."

Neville, who was appointed United club captain in 2005, won 85 England caps.