Carrick: Why I'm ready for my future with Jose
Deciding when to retire is not easy, yet Michael Carrick is completely content with his “natural” conclusion and the Manchester United captain is excited to begin his second career as a coach.
The 36-year-old received a Special Recognition award at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening and spoke emotionally about his 12 successful seasons as a Red, in which he has impressively won 18 trophies.
Ahead of hanging up his boots later this month, Jose Mourinho amusingly presented Carrick with three presents on awards night: a coaches’ shirt, a whistle and painkillers to handle the stress!
Ahead of hanging up his boots later this month, Jose Mourinho amusingly presented Carrick with three presents on awards night: a coaches’ shirt, a whistle and painkillers to handle the stress!
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As Michael later explained on MUTV, his decision to retire from playing was made at the right time.
“To be honest it was not difficult at all,” he said. “If I’d finished at the end of last season, I would have been thinking 'what if?' and maybe ‘it was too soon’. But then coming back this season, having the heart problem, being out for a while and coming back, I just felt it was right time, naturally.
“I am comfortable with it. It just feels like the right time. I know I am very lucky to be in the position where it feels normal. It is not just an injury or somebody has left me out and I can't find another club. I have gone out when I am ready and I am very fortunate. I am in a lucky position where I have something to focus on straightaway. Being in the coaching staff is a natural progression. I am still going to see the lads every day in training and be in the same routine, so that takes the edge off.”
“All I want to say it thank you to everyone, to the fans for the support over the years. I have turned into one of you now. I have turned into a massive fan, I support home and away, I am one of you. To all the staff, the managers, the coaches, the backroom staff, the kit men, the laundry ladies, the canteen staff, everyone who plays a special part in this club from day to day.”
“To be honest it was not difficult at all,” he said. “If I’d finished at the end of last season, I would have been thinking 'what if?' and maybe ‘it was too soon’. But then coming back this season, having the heart problem, being out for a while and coming back, I just felt it was right time, naturally.
“I am comfortable with it. It just feels like the right time. I know I am very lucky to be in the position where it feels normal. It is not just an injury or somebody has left me out and I can't find another club. I have gone out when I am ready and I am very fortunate. I am in a lucky position where I have something to focus on straightaway. Being in the coaching staff is a natural progression. I am still going to see the lads every day in training and be in the same routine, so that takes the edge off.”
“All I want to say it thank you to everyone, to the fans for the support over the years. I have turned into one of you now. I have turned into a massive fan, I support home and away, I am one of you. To all the staff, the managers, the coaches, the backroom staff, the kit men, the laundry ladies, the canteen staff, everyone who plays a special part in this club from day to day.”
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Looking to the future and his new life as a coach, Carrick was also convinced this current United squad can achieve great success under Mourinho’s management. “We have a special group now. There is an awful lot of talent in the group. I am looking forward to working with you, trying to get better and winning trophies. That is what this club is all about. We have a great spirit and now we have to work hard, stick together and I’m sure we will have a lot of success in the future.”
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Carrick presented David De Gea with the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award and, afterwards, the Spanish goalkeeper offered his own personal tribute to the midfield pass-master.
"It was amazing to play with him,” David told us. “For me he is one of the best players I have played with. Even as a person he is amazing. He is a leader, a captain and very important player for this club for many years who has won everything. For me he is a very special player.”
"It was amazing to play with him,” David told us. “For me he is one of the best players I have played with. Even as a person he is amazing. He is a leader, a captain and very important player for this club for many years who has won everything. For me he is a very special player.”
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