Ole to quit

[Gavmundo]

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted his career could come to an end after next season.

The Norwegian striker has one year left on his current Old Trafford deal and expects to hang up his boots after the 2007/08 campaign.

Solskjaer has battled injuries over the past few seasons, but has been a consistent scorer when able to take the field.

However, the 34-year-old accepts his final season as a professional footballer is likely to be as soon as next term.

When asked if he expected to play beyond next season, Solskjaer told VG: "No."

He continued: "I'll most likely stay here. I have one year left on my contract and I'm aiming to do as well as possible to carry on.

"I'll have to see how I feel. I could suddenly say enough is enough, but I'll stay here next year in any case."

Solskjaer expects to enjoy a better season next year than he has this, having spent much of the past few campaigns on the treatment table.

"I'm almost certain I'll be better next season. Then I'll have this season behind me after two or three years out," he added.

"I'll be able to play at a higher level."


Still a season left in him. He hasn't played a huge role this season but he still looks sharp and I think most fans would agree he should be allowed to play for as long as he wants. A great servant to Utd. I'd expect him to retain some role at the club if he retires.

[penalty_20]

I think Fergie wants him to eventually take over after he leaves or at least he will have a big role. I hope Ole has another great injury free season and he has been great for United and I hope he does well.

[Gavmundo]

I can't see Ole becoming manager to be honest. I can see him as a coach and he already has an academy. I see Keano as the natural successor to Fergie but despite Fergie saying he's thinking of retiring after a couple more seasons I can see him staying on longer than that.

[manfan1523]

yeah i agree that i dont think he will take a managerial job. he could however be a great coach. especially youth coach. we could do with a good youth coach to produce us some home grown stars.

[penalty_20]

Yeah. I think Fergie has said before that he wants him to be coach. It would be nice to see him stick around. And I agree with you opinion on Keano.

[penalty_20]

Ole insists: I'm staying

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his desire to remain at United, despite recent press speculation linking him with the Old Trafford exit.

Norwegian newspapers reported the 34-year-old was looking to leave United when his contract expired at the end of next season, while Australian club Queensland Roar admitted they'd made enquiries about luring the striker Down Under.

But Solskjaer, who's netted 11 times for the Reds this season, told Manchester United Radio he's not going anywhere.

"I want to play here for as long as I can," he said. "As long as the gaffer wants me here, I'll stay. I have one year left on my contract and I'm not thinking beyond that. This season has been absolutely fantastic for me."

Meanwhile, Solskjaer is looking forward to Tuesday's Champions League semi final and is confident AC Milan will provide stiffer competition than the Reds' last Italian opponents.

"Milan are a completely different team to Roma. Their history and experience in the Champions League will make sure it's never going to be 7-1. The last time we played them we lost both games 1-0 and we wasted a few chances. We learnt a lesson there."

[Gavmundo]

Look like foreign media stirring it there. I've not seen any such reports in the media here. He stated the other day he'd have one more season but don't think anyone expects him to leave the club!

[manfan1523]

i dont think that he would want to right now. he has the perfect job for an old footballer. he comes of the benches every once in a while and scores then goes and spends the next couple of games on the bench getting a nice fat payroll. maybe not a superstar payroll but it sure as hell pays the bills. and this is good for united. i dont know if anyone has seen this but he has the record in the premiership for goals/minutes played by about 40 minutes. he is at 90 the next is at 130.

[Manchester 23]

has anyone heard of him going to Queensland Roar (Australia) to play

[manfan1523]

i highly doubt that he would ever do that. though i wouldnt rule it completely out. still seams a bit farfetched.nah i think he is gonna be one of those clingers who always sticks with the club.

[Gavmundo]

Well Ole has already said he'll only play for another season at most but I doubt he'll leave Utd. He has a job for life at Old Trafford. I can't see him going anywhere else and as I said he's said he's retiring in a year. Not from Utd but from playing football. His injuries, as well as age, have caught up with him.