Thank you, Sir Alex

This is a screen grab, so I'm not sure whether this actually qualifies to be here... However, I just had to mark this monumental day somehow!
To many non-footie types, there is widespread bewilderment over the fuss being made over a 71-year-old announcing his retirement. For the rest of us, and especially Manchester United fans, today is a momentous day, the day we had dreaded.
Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson is not merely manager of Manchester United, he IS Manchester United!
Today he called an end to his 26-year, glorious, trophy-laden reign.

More than simply a sporting icon, SAF's influence during the last quarter of a century affected me deeply on a personal level. He ingrained in every Manchester United player the club's philosophy that "we never know when we're beaten. We never, ever give up". And I remember recalling these words in 2004, when lying in hospital's Intensive Care Unit with heart, lung and kidney failure. I was aware the medical team was doing everything it could to ensure my survival, but I also knew it was ultimately down to me.

When you're teetering on the cusp of oblivion, words and memories provide the extra impetus and drive you need to keep fighting.
I was given a 50:50 chance of survival. I thought that's good enough for me... Never, ever give up.

Thank you, Sir Alex.