Van der Sar reveals penalty save in Champions League triumph was best moment of his career

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed the best moment from his career, his admiration for manager Sir Alex Ferguson and why he decided to call it a day.

The 40-year-old was honoured in a testomoinal match in front of 53,000 adoring fans at the The Amsterdam Arena, home to Van der Sar's first club, Ajax on Wednesday.

A Dream Team XI featuring the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Dirk Kuyt, Edgar Davids, Rio Ferdinand and Dennis Bergkamp took the field to play the current Ajax crop.

It was an emotional farewell for a player who had enjoyed a glittering career in Holland, Italy and England.

Van der Sar told CNNi international: 'I had an amazing career, amazing. I made great friends, had a lot of joy playing for my clubs, training, but in the end to make the decision to… at a certain point…you hear it coming.

'And of course, maybe you could of played on another year and you get little injuries, little niggles. Mentally you also have to be ready, fully committed, 100% to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United. I don’t think I had that in me anymore.

'That night in Moscow (when United beat Chelsea to lift the Champions League trophy) was something special. To have the last touch of the ball, and the moment you feel that ball on your fist, and it doesn’t go in, it bounces away from you.

'Those three, four seconds, I was there in the rain, standing there and seeing your team-mates coming towards you and everything and everybody, like you know - like for three, four seconds you’re on your own - but the whole world is watching. And everything is really… it doesn’t get really any better than that.

'You can talk about a lot of things with Sir Alex. Of course, he's the manager, he makes a lot of the decisions in that other part, he’s also a very kind person. You can talk with him about anything, about family problems, about life, about the American civil war, about Scottish history!

'So much about a lot of subjects. He was definitely the person to go to and speak to, and of course you speak with your wife and maybe one or two friends, but I think the main thing is that you have to make the decision by yourself.

'Cristiano Ronaldo used to say that he wanted to be the best player in the world and probably a lot players say that, but he’s someone who really worked on it. During training he was unbelievable, just ran to the ball every time and make those actions.

'He just played a big part in our success at Man United and after training he practised his free kicks. Quite hard for a goalkeeper to save them. Luckily, if you speak to him I managed to save a lot from him, he scored a couple also, I’m not going to take that away from him. We always had a good understanding I think.'

Sons of Dutch identities now running around for Man Utd juniors

Two Dutch kids of famous fathers are running around for Manchester United's juniors.

Yesterday, before Edwin van der Sar's testimonial, United's Under-13s drew 2-2 with their Ajax counterparts thanks to two goals by Callum Gribbin.

Edwin's son Joe played in goal for the young Reds and Melle Meulensteen also got a run-out.

Melle is the son of United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen.

Ex-Man Utd keeper Van der Sar will not jump into coaching

Retired Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he won't jumping immediately into coaching.

Van der Sar says he'll be taking time away from football after last night's testimonial at Ajax.

"Then I'll consider some TV work or doing some coach training," he said.

"If I do become a coach, it won't be at the high level."

Edwin van der Sar touched by 'incredible' testimonial turnout

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admits he was overwhelmed by the turnout of fans and players at his testimonial game on Wednesday night.

The former Ajax and Manchester United goalkeeper revealed his surprise at the level of support he received on his final outing before retirement.

"This is incredible," he said. "It's fantastic and touches me. I'm not someone who likes to be in the spotlight. That you get a night like this is really incredible.

"So many fans and players I didn't expect. You realise you did something for Dutch football and United, but something like this was absolutely not in my mind," he said after leaving the pitch.

Van der Sar also thanked his family and revealed he has high hopes for Ajax next season after training with their squad on Tuesday.

"I want to thank Ajax for this incredible night," he added. "Also, a big thanks to the players of Ajax, who gave their best energy. I trained yesterday with you guys and I'm confident you will do well in the Dutch league.

"In the end I want to thank my wife and family for all the support the last years. Thank you everyone."

Louis van Gaal also paid tribute to the Dutchman, revealing that he knew Van der Sar would have a successful career, despite an uncertain start.

"This evening is fantastic," he said. "I really didn’t think this was possible. It says something about the status of Edwin. Not only the crowd, but also so many big players [have turned out].

"In 1995 I knew he could get a really big career, but in '92 I didn't know. Then you take a long term decision as a coach. In the first weeks he made the same mistakes as Thomas Kraft last year at Bayern, but that is logic."

Sir Bobby Charlton pays tribute to 'unique' Edwin van der Sar: Maybe he is the best goalkeeper Manchester United ever had

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has paid tribute to the retiring Edwin van der Sar, insisting the Dutchman was "not a normal keeper".

Van der Sar joined United in 2005 and provided the club with some much-needed stability in goal, and Charlton revealed he instilled confidence amongst the back four.

"He is not a normal keeper," he said.

"The players in front of him always can have the thought: we still have Edwin. He has got so much talent and a strong character. Maybe he is the best goalkeeper United ever had, but we also had Schmeichel. But Van der Sar is unique."

Fellow Dutchman and former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp also hailed Van der Sar and revealed his commitment to his profession.

“He is a winner," he said. "Even in training, he always played 100 per cent. When you deliver in England like he did, you will be received in the arms of the fans.

"I experienced that too. They really, really appreciate you when you are a professional. That's something different than in Holland."

Guus Hiddink, who coached Van der Sar during his time as Holland boss, praised the calming influence the former Fulham man had on those around him.

"The unique thing about Edwin is that he thinks always simple, it's based on quality and serenity. In the dressing room he corrected something always very smoothly. He was much appreciated by all his colleagues," he said.

Van der Sar’s team-mate at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand took to social networking site Twitter to pay tribute to the Dutchman.

"Great crowd + great appreciation for a great servant of the game. It was a pleasure to play alongside him. Respect #edwinvandersar" the Tweet read.

Ferguson to coach in Van der Sar testimonial

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to coach in Edwin van der Sar's Dream Team match.

The Dream Team has been selected by Van der Sar, who wanted a number of his former Manchester United team-mates at his football swansong. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Louis Saha will all be there.

They will form a team with others who have played with Van der Sar such as Dirk Kuyt and Alessandro del Piero, Dennis Bergkamp, Rafael van der Vaart, Phillip Cocu and Andre Ooijer.

Joe van der Sar to stay with Man Utd despite Dad retirement

The son of Edwin van der Sar will start the new season with Manchester United.

Joe van der Sar is a goalkeeper like his famous Dad and has moved up to United's U13's for the coming campaign.

Dutch fans will get a look at Joe next month for Van der Sar's testimonial.

An hour before the match Van der Sar’s son will play with United’s Under 13s against Ajax Under 13s.

van der Sar spotted training at Carrington complex, a comeback?

Is Edwin van der Sar planning a Manchester United comeback?

The Sunday Express says Van der Sar has sparked rumours he may make a retirement U-turn by training with Manchester United.

The goalkeeper emotionally hung up his gloves at the end of last season.

But he has surprisingly made a number of appearances at the Red Devils’ Carrington training complex over the past week.

“Everyone was surprised to see Edwin, then even more so to see him training fully,” said a United insider.

Van der Sar silent on Man Utd successor De Gea

Edwin van der Sar has refused to comment on deal for David De Gea.

United have chosen the 20 year-old goalkeeper to succeed the retiring 40 year-old Van der Sar.

The Independent says De Gea is the big gamble.

Van der Sar declined to pass comment on his successor on Saturday evening, though Sir Alex believes he is right to put his faith in the 20-year-old.

Ajax hand farewell game to Man Utd keeper Van der Sar

Ajax are offering Man Utd's retired goalkeeper  Edwin van der Sar a farewell game.

The testimonial is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 to be played in the Amsterdam ArenA.

Van der Sar spent eight years at Ajax from 1991 to 1999.

He won the Champions League in 1995 with the Dutch club.

van der Sar: Losing makes me more determined

Edwin van der Sar has revealed that losing has made him a far more determined player.

Ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final against Barcelona, the veteran Dutchman said that negative performances always stay with you whereas victories are quickly forgotten.

"You do think more about things you lose than what you win," he said.

"When you have won, your medal goes into the cupboard or the safe in the bank.

"But when you lose, you know something has slipped through your fingers. It makes you more determined.

"If we win I won't want to go home. If I lose I won't want to leave home.

"Maybe it sounds strange but I just wouldn't want to see anyone."

van der Sar added that the United squad will prepare for Barcelona just as they would for any other opponent.

"You hope to bring your 'A' game to a final," he added. "For that you need everything, saves, communication skills, experience and motivation skills.

"It must all go together to make sure you defend well.

"In that sense, preparation is the same as if you were playing Wigan. The difference is in the intensity because nothing beats this game."

Ferguson: Retirement the right choice for van der Sar

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."

Van der Sar fed-up with retirement questions

Edwin van der Sar is growing tired about questions over his retirement.

Van der Sar, 40, admitted he had become annoyed at being asked whether he would change his mind about quitting.

“I’ve just got sick and tired of the question,” he said.

“Maybe it would have been better not to have announced my retirement and, after the last game, say ‘OK, that’s it’. That probably would have been better.

“It would be nice to finish my career at Wembley winning the Champions League, yeah.

“It’s a better place to bow out than, say, against a lesser team in the league with nothing to play for. But first we have to overcome Schalke in the return leg and hopefully put on a performance for our fans also.”

Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Manchester United were inspired by Edwin van der Sar half-time team talk against Everton

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar stood up and motivated Manchester United’ players during the half-time break in Saturday’s fixture with Everton.

All square at the interval, United’s shot stopper motivated his team-mates brilliantly according to his boss, who admits he can only hope that replacing the Dutch 'keeper is not an impossible task. 

The United boss told the club’s official website of Van der Sar’s inspirational half-time role: "To hear him at half-time in the Everton game was absolutely wonderful.

"The way he motivated the players was really good to listen to.

"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best and I hope it's not impossible to replace him."

Van der Sar played a huge role in the outcome as United picked up a late 1-0 victory but owed a debt of gratitude to their 'keeper after he made a stunning save from a deflected Jack Rodwell strike in the second-half - a save Ferguson was quick to praise.

"Edwin made a fantastic save, an absolutely brilliant save, especially as it took a little deflection," added the long-standing manager.

De Boer would love to bring Man Utd keeper Van der Sar back to Ajax

Ajax coach Frank de Boer would love to bring Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar back to the club.

De Boer would like to add Van der Sar to his coaching staff next season.

"We have to bring back our legends," said De Boer. "So we will have to see if we can create a job for him.

"The man is among the best sportsman and also a wonderful person. Edwin can always be of use for Ajax."

van der Sar to remain at Man Utd in off-field role! Good news!

Edwin van der Sar may move into an off-field role when he retires from playing at the end of the season.

The 40-year old Dutchman will close the curtain on an exceptional career when the 2010/11 campaign finishes but insists he will not yet return to former club Ajax Amsterdam despite promising he would.

“I'm not going back to Amsterdam, though it would be very comfortable there with Frank de Boer, Danny Blind and Dennis Bergkamp," said Van der Sar of his former Ajax team-mates,” he told Dutch magazine Life After Football.

"When I left 12 years ago, I said I would return, but I did not know then what great years I would have with Manchester United.

"I might occasionally visit training with them, but I will not be going regularly.

“It may be that I'm going to give Manchester United clinics in Asia, where the club is very popular, or something in commerce," he added.

"I think this is interesting. I have already held some talks."

Only one person can persuade Edwin van der Sar to stay with Man Utd. It's Joe!

Joe van der Sar could be key to Dad Edwin staying on with Manchester United.

A goalkeeper like his Dad, Joe is currently catching the eye for United's U12 team and trains at Carrington.

United manager Sir Alex revealed: "He’s going to take a break from football and then come back here to live because his son’s schooling is here. That means there are possibilities for us in terms of coaching perhaps.

“He’s had a long period in the game and he’s coming up for 41 and he wants to spend some time with his wife because she’s had a tough couple of years.

“He’s not playing on and I haven’t spoken to him about changing his mind because he has his plans and I respect that. He’s marvelous, a fantastic man.”

Ferguson: I cannot change Van der Sar mind

Sir Alex Ferguson admits there's no changing the mind of retiring goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

There have been claims that the golden oldie Dutch keeper might do that and play on next season.

But Fergie dismissed any chance of that, although he revealed there might be the possibility of Van der Sar returning to the club one day, presumably in a coaching capacity or ambassadorial role.

The United boss said: “There is no chance of Edwin changing his mind – definitely not.

“He’s marvellous, absolutely brilliant and a fantastic man. But I haven’t spoken to him about ­changing his mind. He has got his plans for next year. He is taking a break and going back to Holland, where he has a new house and he
is going to do a bit of work there.

“Then he is going to return here for September, when his son starts school in Wilmslow. I think that is his plan. He is going to take a break from football, then come back in.

“I believe he is planning to live in England because his son’s schooling is here.

“There are possibilities there for us – but first he is taking a break. He hasn’t made his mind up about what to do after that.

“He has had a long period in the game and is coming up to 41.

“He wants to spend some time with his wife, because she has had a tough couple of years.”

Ferguson wants Van der Sar to drop retirement plans

Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to convince Edwin van der Sar to reverse his retirement decision.

The People says the 40-year-old Dutchman intends to hang up his gloves this summer, but he has been so outstanding again this term that Fergie desperately wants him to stay.

The United boss, who has spent the past two campaigns scouring the continent for a long-term successor to his No.1, is offering van der Sar a reduced workload in a desperate bid to change his mind.

Like this season, he will be rested for FA Cup and League Cup matches, and next season Fergie hopes to tempt him by letting him put his feet up for the Champions League group stage as well.

van de Sar announced his retirement.

Edwin van de Sar says he could have played on next season.

The Dutchman has announced his retirement today.

Van der Sar maintains he is still as fit and able as ever, and that an ageing body has not forced him to leave the games on terms other than his own.

"One minute you're out. The next, you question it again. I thought about stopping, maybe a year ago," said Van der Sar.

"After a defeat, I thought differently than after playing a few good games in a row.

"My age played no role. I am 40 years old, but I still feel fit.

"And then the decision came suddenly. Do not ask me how or why, but suddenly you know. That was sufficient.

"The time has come to devote greater attention to my family - although they have never complained. Everyone in the family has indeed always had to focus on me, but we have also had a lot in return."