MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a model of professionalism ahead of the Norwegian's testimonial against Espanyol at Old Trafford on Saturday.
"Ole is an inspiration to anyone hoping for a long career in football. He has dedicated himself to his profession," Ferguson said of Solskjaer's 12-year stint at United.
"In the modern-day game, anyone who manages 10 years or more at one club is exceptional, particularly when that one club is not from the player's own country."
He added: "When a young kid walks in here, eventually I want them to go home to their mother and father and be the same person. It is not easy in modern day life.
"Success can change people, so can money and this is in an industry which is very vulnerable.
Ferguson's comments come as United are struggling to keep hold of prize asset Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid, even though his contract runs until 2012.
Solskjaer and Ronaldo both share the honour of scoring in a Champions League final, the Norwegian netting a last-gasp winner over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999.
"When the fans show their respect for Ole tomorrow, it will not just be for his goal in Barcelona," Ferguson said. "It will be for his overall contribution over a very long period of time."
Nicknamed the "baby-faced assassin", Solskjaer arrived from Norwegian club Molde a virtual unknown in 1996 for 1.5 million pounds, going on to score 127 goals in 366 first-team appearances.
He famously netted four goals in 12 minutes as a substitute at Nottingham Forest in United's record 8-1 away win.
The knee injury which forced Solskjaer to quit the game a year ago means he will only play 20 minutes of Saturday's game but he will still receive a hero's welcome.
After his farewell gala Solskjaer is to take up a post as reserve-team coach where he will be charged with feeding United's title-winning side with fresh talent.
Comment 1 - 9 of 9
A great example of a player who played for a club, not for money. Despite spending his whole career at United on the bench, he scored 127 goals, including the four as sub against Forest in 1996/7 and the last-gasp Champions League winner in 1999. He would rather live on the bench of a big club where he knew he was still valued, just for the chance of moments like that.
You'd think that having players like Ole, Giggs, Neville and Scholes at Manchester United would have taught the likes of Ronaldo and Ferdinand something, but with all the money in the game these days I'm not surprised players' heads are turned by their agent's mobile phone ringing.
Thank you Ole, i hope you make millions off your testimonial - you deserve it!
if only 10% of ole,s attitude rubs off on the kids he,s training then utd have a very bright future, a true utd legend. christiano, take a long hard look at this man and learn from him, its not to late yet for you my friend. kearn in coventry
A true giant amongst men, this guy came as a nobody and although he hasnt left yet, will leave as one of the bst to ever wear thefamous red shirt. Along with Robson, Cantona and the migty George Best. I wish him all the very best in his future with thereserves and maybe one day he could become the 1st choice afte thedeparture of Sir Alex. Who knows, unlikely but, it would be a nice repayment for the service he has given to us!!!!
Ole, you are a legend! Not quite ababy faced assassin anymore but i hope you can find and make anotheryou out ofthe young boys youll be coaching.
It is a pity more young players don't use Ole as a role model, he was always a happy cheerful type of guy who never expected anything or took what he had for granted. Working with the reserve side, hopefully he can also pass on his attitude to the young guys as well as improve their playing skills. The game needs more like Ole, he is a true gentleman, well done.
MY HERO.......... so much so i named my son Ole-alan after the guy, who was actually born on the day he retired...
i wish solskjaer all the best in his role at old trafford.. good luck ole
I THOUGHT HE RETiued I HOPE HE DOES WELL!
WHY IS HE GOOD HES INCREDIBLY OLD IN HIS 30
Ole is A KING AMOUNGST MEN and im exstatic that he is going to be staying with united.
You are my Solskjaer, my Ole Solksjaer, you make me happy when skies are grey, coz when its pouring, you just keep scoring, please dont take my Solksjaer away.
And thats the polite version!!
A true United legend!
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