One-Club Man Gary Neville
Gary Neville left school at the age of 16 when he joined Manchester United to playe for their highly successful youth team. Making his first appearance for Manchester United against Russian side Torpedo Moscow in 1992, Neville has always been loyal to the club he has supported since his childhood days.
Eventually replacing the injuried Paul Parker, Neville made his league debut for United two years later on 8 May 1994 in a 0�0 draw against Coventry City at Old Trafford. As a right full back, the Bury born skirmisher has made over 500 first class appearances for Manchester United during his 18 years at the club, winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and one European Cup. Neville has scored a total of seven goals in his 16 years as a Manchester United player the first coming against Middlesbrough on May 5, 1997. Gary Neville was made Manchester United captain following the departure of midfielder Roy Keane in December 2005 and he became the fifth Old Trafford skipper to lift the Premier League title 18 months later. The Manchester United cornerstone is one of a rare breed of player who has spent his entire footballing career at the same club. Not suprisingly, the vastly experienced defender is fifth on the most exclusive Manchester United all time appearances list.
Serving his country for many years, Neville has gained a total of 85 caps during a long career as an England international which started in 1995 when he was called up for a friendly against Japan. His younger brother Phil Neville also played for Manchester United and the two brothers were team mates at both club and international level until Phil decided to move on to Everton in 2005. Gary Neville also has a long standing relationship with the Mediterranean island of Malta. He has on several occasions in the past described Malta as his second home and he has been an official tourism ambassador for the island since 2001. He works with Air Malta to promote the country which he has visited on a regular basis since he was a child. In return for his services the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta sponsor the Gary Neville Soccer School on the island.
“Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager Manchester United have ever had. It is ridiculous for people to suggest he leaves. Who do they want to replace him? Ron Atkinson, Tommy Docherty?”
Gary Neville