World NewsChapter Closes for Solskjaer |
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will get "a sense of closure" from his testimonial game against Espanyol next week.
The Manchester United legend was forced to retire last season after failing to overcome chronic knee problems that now render him virtually incapable of playing a match of any sort.Solskjaer has done enough training on the bike to get him through 20 minutes at Old Trafford on August 2. But after that he will concentrate on his duties as United's reserve team boss.
"It is like the end of a chapter," he said.
"My dad was over here last weekend and we were chatting about it. I guess there is a sense of closure.
"It will mean a lot to experience playing on that stage for one last time.
"I am not an emotional type of person, so there shouldn't be any tears but it is like a wedding speech, you can prepare as much as you want for situations such as these. You can never be absolutely sure how you will react."
In a sense, Solskjaer has already moved onto the next phase of his life, with preparations for his testimonial game being mixed in with getting United's second string ready for Saturday's trip to Oxford.
The Norwegian has no intention of neglecting his charity work either, which is why he spent Wednesday afternoon at Carrington hosting a kickabout for siblings of young cancer sufferers through Christie's Hospital in Manchester.
"We all know how horrible cancer is and how it has touched so many lives," he said.
"Around the time I had my knee injuries, a very close friend was diagnosed with it and it just put my situation into perspective. My career meant nothing alongside someone's life.
"With the right treatment and a positive attitude, anything can be achieved. That is why I try to do what I can."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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