I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had. I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end. However, it comes to us all and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now.

Neville emerged as part of Alex Ferguson's youth-oriented side of the 1990s (nicknamed Fergie's Fledglings an updated take on the 1950s equivalent Busby Babes) that included his brother Phil Ryan Giggs David Beckham Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. In January 2006 his actions were the subject of some controversy after his celebration in front of the visiting Liverpool fans at Old Trafford when he was seen to run from the halfway line towards the opposing fans to celebrate the 90th minute injury-time winning headed goal by United defender Rio Ferdinand. This will see him on the coaching team for the European Championships in the summer of 2012 and was met with the backing of former England and Manchester United team mate David Beckham who called his appointment a "shrewd move".

His sister Tracey Neville plays netball for England his mother Jill is a receptionist for Bury. Neville spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford making him a rare one-club man. He is the older brother of Premier League footballer and Everton captain Phil Neville who was also a Manchester United player (from 1993 until 2005).