Neville: I didn't want to jump on Becks
metro
Phil Neville: I didnt want to jump on the retirement bandwagon with David Beckham and co.
Phil Neville has revealed his desire to drift away from playing football without any fuss was the reason behind him delaying his retirement until three weeks after the end of the football season, despite already being sure of his decision.
Neville announced his intention to hang up his boots earlier this evening, fuelling speculation of a return to Manchester United to join David Moyes backroom staff.
The former England internationals eight-year association with Everton came to an end at the close of the season when his contract expired, but the 36-year-old said he was uncertain whether he wanted to call an end to his playing career.
However, the ex-United man today revealed his decision to retire had already been made, but he wanted to bow out with the minimum of fuss and not be seen to be following in the footsteps of David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson in quitting the game.
Three weeks ago, everyone in the world seemed to be retiring. I thought Im not jumping on this bandwagon, he said.
I just wanted it to be a smooth, quiet turnover. I didnt want that.
When I made a statement that I was leaving Everton, everywhere I went I seemed to be getting oh youve been brilliant. I didnt like it. I didnt want to be seen as an attention-seeker.
In my heart, I knew that I wouldnt be playing again at any level. I just wanted to drift away.
Neville is now expected to follow Moyes from Goodison Park to Old Trafford, to join up with his former boss in a coaching capacity.
But despite currently being part of the coaching set-up with England Under-21s at the European Championship in Israel, Neville says he has not made any concrete decisions over his future career.
I do enjoy the media side but I want to work, I want to coach, I want to get more hours on the grass, he added.
I have got two paths one to go into the media, the other to go into coaching and management. I have got offers from both. I will sit down at the end of the tournament.
Phil Neville has revealed his desire to drift away from playing football without any fuss was the reason behind him delaying his retirement until three weeks after the end of the football season, despite already being sure of his decision.
Neville announced his intention to hang up his boots earlier this evening, fuelling speculation of a return to Manchester United to join David Moyes backroom staff.
The former England internationals eight-year association with Everton came to an end at the close of the season when his contract expired, but the 36-year-old said he was uncertain whether he wanted to call an end to his playing career.
However, the ex-United man today revealed his decision to retire had already been made, but he wanted to bow out with the minimum of fuss and not be seen to be following in the footsteps of David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson in quitting the game.
Three weeks ago, everyone in the world seemed to be retiring. I thought Im not jumping on this bandwagon, he said.
I just wanted it to be a smooth, quiet turnover. I didnt want that.
When I made a statement that I was leaving Everton, everywhere I went I seemed to be getting oh youve been brilliant. I didnt like it. I didnt want to be seen as an attention-seeker.
In my heart, I knew that I wouldnt be playing again at any level. I just wanted to drift away.
Neville is now expected to follow Moyes from Goodison Park to Old Trafford, to join up with his former boss in a coaching capacity.
But despite currently being part of the coaching set-up with England Under-21s at the European Championship in Israel, Neville says he has not made any concrete decisions over his future career.
I do enjoy the media side but I want to work, I want to coach, I want to get more hours on the grass, he added.
I have got two paths one to go into the media, the other to go into coaching and management. I have got offers from both. I will sit down at the end of the tournament.
