As footballing juggernauts are calling time on their careers this summer, we find ourselves reminiscing with a massive dose of nostalgia. The careers of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes have finished. Ended. TV documentaries and links to videos online reminding us of their finest moments are to be ever-present, from Fergie's never ending lifting of trophies, to the montages of whopping long shots from the thunderous right boot of Scholes.
For now, what does the future hold in store for the Premier League greats?
For now, what does the future hold in store for the Premier League greats?
Starting with the most successful manager there is, Sir Alex Ferguson. He may have retired, but the Glaswegian isn't done with football just yet. He is to become a director at Old Trafford, where he'll be around to guide new manager David Moyes when called upon. With Wayne Rooney handing in a transfer request it looked as though Moyes would be seeking advice from the master sooner than expected, but when asked about the bombshell in a post-match interview in his penultimate match the 71 year old stated;
"It's not my department. I'm no longer interested in that. David is going to deal with that and he quite rightly wants to deal with it".
The Scotsman is happy to take a backseat role and sip on his expensive wine!
Jamie Carragher is to join up with the Sky Sports team for their Premier League coverage of the 2013/2014 season (which already includes 116 live matches). Whilst lauding his beloved Liverpool, he shows excitement in his new adventure;
"I watch Sky Sports all the time and I'm a huge fan... I don't think there could be a better move for me: to retire from one of the world's best football clubs at the end of the season and then join one of the world's best broadcasters".
Carragher follows in the footsteps of Gary Neville, who has just finished his second season with the broadcasting giants. If the Liverpool favourite can transfer his passion for football from the pitch into the commentary box, he's sure to create memorable moments, just like Neville's 'scoregasm' of the unforgettable Torres goal vs Barcelona in last years Champions League semi-final.
In an interview with aforementioned Gary Neville, Paul Scholes hasn't ruled out going into coaching. Although he isn't sure of his plans just yet, he is very much a family man. Retiring from International play after the European Championships in Portugal in 2004, he later admitted in his autobiography;
In an interview with aforementioned Gary Neville, Paul Scholes hasn't ruled out going into coaching. Although he isn't sure of his plans just yet, he is very much a family man. Retiring from International play after the European Championships in Portugal in 2004, he later admitted in his autobiography;
"Being away from my family was always the main reason I retired from internationals at the age of 29 in August 2004... I never liked being away from my home and my family for weeks on end".
With his great manager calling time on a prestigious career at Old Trafford, the midfield maestro was certainly happy there were to be less limelight on himself; "couldn't be happier... slip under the radar and off I go". Sums him up pretty well! Sure he'll have time off with his family, but ex-pros often can't keep themselves away and come back after a period away. As he's such a team spirited fella, he's bound to return to Carrington sometime and pass on his excellence to the new generation of players.
Away from football David Beckham gets the red carpet treatment everywhere he goes. Sponsorships would be a big source of income, he already has lucrative deals with massive brands like Samsung, Diet Coke and adidas. In the game though, his role as global ambassador for Chinese football will take up some time for the near future at least. Especially if they're to eradicate the match fixing problems they are currently marred with. The corruption being so bad that a referee has been imprisoned, as well as 58 officials being banned by FIFA. How much involvement Beckham will have isn't clear, more than likely he'd be used to speak publicly about how the Chinese FA wants to move forward.
As for the next 5-10 years? He loves his country, that's clear - remember the interview when he announced he was to give up the captaincy of the English national team?
A coaching role with England appears the logical way to go, he knows the set up and he's a popular figure. On the other hand he has his academies and has said he'd prefer to coach kids than to manage;
A coaching role with England appears the logical way to go, he knows the set up and he's a popular figure. On the other hand he has his academies and has said he'd prefer to coach kids than to manage;
"..coaching-wise, I love coaching kids - that's one of the reasons I have my academies - the children, I love seeing their faces when they're kicking the ball around".
But could he go on to manage? Why not? It's Beckham.
Michael Owen is still being invited to new clubs even after he announced his retirement back in March. Al Shabab Al Arabi of United Arab Emirates had shown interest, but the 33 year old isn't going to have his head turned;
"I've been thinking about it for a while and football is not as much fun when you've been able to do it at a real high standard and then suddenly you're finding it hard to reach those standards again. Your pride gets dented a little bit".
The former England forward who bagged 40 goals in his 89 games for the national side is following up his punditry experience he gained with the BBC on Match of the Day and Football Focus, by joining BT Sport. The newcomers have also signed up current pros Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie. Owen though will become co-commentator for their live football coverage next season, which includes the opening fixture in August.
"I've been thinking about it for a while and football is not as much fun when you've been able to do it at a real high standard and then suddenly you're finding it hard to reach those standards again. Your pride gets dented a little bit".
The former England forward who bagged 40 goals in his 89 games for the national side is following up his punditry experience he gained with the BBC on Match of the Day and Football Focus, by joining BT Sport. The newcomers have also signed up current pros Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie. Owen though will become co-commentator for their live football coverage next season, which includes the opening fixture in August.
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