Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is right to finish his playing days at the end of the season. The 40-year old Dutchman will call time on an extensive and hugely successful career when the current campaign is completed and despite some calls from outsiders for him to continue, his boss feels it is the right time for the decision.
"If I was giving advice to Edwin van der Sar, right now, I would say retire," said the United manager.
"He is at the absolute pinnacle of his career but sometimes, when a player gets to that age, age comes onto you very suddenly.
"I wouldn't want to see Edwin van der Sar in that situation. He deserves to go out at the very top and hopefully he does that.
"His career has been absolutely fantastic.
"It is not just what he does on the football field. It is how he has handled himself as a professional and a human being.
"He is absolutely outstanding. In our dressing room at half-time and before games, he is absolutely fantastic.
"My advice to him is that this is the time. There is no reason for him to risk another year and maybe drop below his standard."
