British Prime Minister David Cameron and world football chief Sepp Blatter led the tributes on Wednesday after Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson announced he was standing down at the end of the season.
Cameron, a fan of Premier League strugglers Aston Villa, tweeted: “Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievement at#MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team.”
FIFA president Blatter said the football world may never again see a reign like Ferguson’s at United that spanned 26 years and 38 trophies.
“His achievements in the game place him without doubt as one of the ‘greats'” Blatter said on Twitter.
“Will his longevity at the top ever be repeated?”
Peter Schmeichel, the Danish goalkeeper who was one of Ferguson’s most important signings at United, described his decision to retire as a “bombshell” and said he “can’t make sense of the timing”.
“It has come as a bombshell, I really don’t know what to make of it,” Schmeichel said.
Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, said Ferguson’s trophy haul at his previous club Aberdeen – rather than the success he had at United – proved he was an all-time great.
“He’s had a fantastic career,” Salmond told AFP. “I’m pleased he’s managed to catch everyone by surprise because I know he’ll be pleased!”
“I still think the greatest test of a real football manager is the ability to win the biggest prizes with unfashionable sides or less powerful teams.”
Michael Owen, the former England striker who was used sparingly by Ferguson in two seasons at United, said he was honoured to have played under him.
“It’s just not sinking in! Manchester United with no Sir Alex just doesn’t feel right,” he said.
“What a man and great that it has ended on his terms. What a privilege to have played under arguably the best manager the world has ever seen. His record will surely never be eclipsed..”