Louis van Gaal announced his retirement from management on Monday
Manchester United attackers Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have all paid tribute to Louis van Gaal following the Dutchman’s retirement from football management.
Van Gaal announced his retirement from football management on Monday after a decades-long career which saw him coach Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AZ Alkmaar and Manchester United.
He took the Netherlands to third place in the 2014 World Cup – beating hosts Brazil 3-0 in the third/fourth place play-off – before he took his final club management role at Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup.
“I am a pensioner now. I have no ambition to be a technical director or a TV pundit,” he told Dutch television about his decision.
“My wife Truus gave up her job for me 22 years ago, and followed me when I went abroad. I told her I would quit as a coach when I turned 55, but instead kept going until I was 65.
“She is entitled to have a life with me outside of football. I can say she is very happy. I think I could have worked as a technical director.”
After the announcement was made, Rashford – who was given his debut by van Gaal during an injury crisis at the club – thanked the Dutchman for believing in him.
“Thank you for opening the door & trusting in me. Enjoy retirement boss,” he said.
Thank you for opening the door & trusting in me. Enjoy retirement boss 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/OqrEodNlz0
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) March 11, 2019
Another player to thanks him was Frenchman Anthony Martial, who was brought to the club by van Gaal during his time at the club. He said: “Thanks for everything coach!! It was a honor to learn from you!”
Thanks for everything coach !! It was a honor to learn from you! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/G1dYi1UJv0
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) March 11, 2019
Jesse Lingard, who scored the winning goal in the FA Cup secured by van Gaal prior to his sacking by the club, thanked him for the “trust” he had showed in him.
“I’ll never forget the trust you had in me. I owe you so much. Thank you, boss!” he said.
I’ll never forget the trust you had in me. I owe you so much. Thank you, boss! pic.twitter.com/NravJEELxr
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) March 11, 2019
