By Jason Mathias.
Gary Neville has signed a new one year contract at Manchester United after his fine recent performances. The 35-year-old has joined fellow stalwarts Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in extending his stay at the club. After overcoming a serious ankle injury which kept him out for 18 months, Neville has returned to become once again Manchester United’s first choice right-back with a string of consistent performances over the last few months. Sir Alex Ferguson announced the news at his regular press conference this morning and is delighted to have his club captain for another season.
The man is doing it because he wants to do it, he has the determination and drive within himself not to give in on his career. He’s getting the rewards for that because his performances levels have been outstanding, and at an important time for the club.
Ferguson also spoke highly of Neville’s character in returning to form after his injury.
When you’re out for 18 months in your thirties, it is a concern. We knew he was putting everything into it. You don’t worry about Gary’s commitment and his endeavour to come back from injury.
With talk of a call-up to England’s World Cup squad, it is a great testament to the desire of Neville to come back and once again show his abilities despite his advancing years. And this is good news too for Rafael da Silva, who could ask for no one better to mentor him as he looks to take Neville’s place when he does eventually retire. Neville will be uncharacteristically hopeful of a Liverpool win on Sunday against Chelsea as he aims to lift the Premier League trophy for a record-breaking 4th successive year.
Do you think Neville deserves an extra year’s stay at United? WIll he make the World Cup squad? Have your say by commenting below…
