Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Sir Alex Ferguson 'misses' football since retirement as legendary boss talks dementia

Legendary Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he often misses being involved within football

Ferguson, who guided Aberdeen to two European trophies before going on to become the most successful manager in English football history at Manchester United, retired from management in 2013.

Since then, the Old Trafford club have failed to add to the 13 English Premier League titles that Ferguson won during his 27-year tenure.

They have splashed the cash to back various bosses with expensively assembled squads, yet received very little in return when it comes to accolades.

The 82-year-old's CV also includes five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League triumphs. 

"Yeah, I miss it sometimes," he said in an interview with the BBC, which was aired on Friday.

"I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to [his late wife] Cathy: 'This is what I miss - big games, the European games.'

"So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day. Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in."


Read more: 


Ferguson was speaking as part of a campaign to support those with dementia. 

The former Rangers player is thankfully free from the condition, however he's sadly watched many footballing greats from his era struggle. 

Manchester United icon Bobby Charlton, who was 86 years old, sadly passed away last October following a struggle with dementia. Meanwhile, fellow club legend Denis Law, now 84, is currently facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

(Image: SNS Group) "I think it's a present day challenge for all of us," Ferguson explained.

"I'm 82, obviously I worry about it. Genuinely my memory is quite good, praise the lord, touch wood - I don't know if it will stay that way.

"But I worry about it, 100%. I would be lying if I felt I was anywhere different.

"I read a lot, I do quizzes a lot , and I think that helps, there is the YouTube quizzes with 100 questions and if I don't get 70 per cent I'm struggling.'"

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.