World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">final event of his career</a>.&nbsp;

Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation. It's kind of sad to see what he's been going through in the last couple of years with these injuries."

Talking about Murray's injuries, Novak said, "As someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathize with him and relate to what he's going through. Obviously, probably the extent of his injury is even worse than mine, hips and he had a back surgery and so forth."

The 31-year-old Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time rival Murray while speaking at a press conference ahead of this year's first Grand Slam, Australian Open.&nbsp;

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The Serbian tennis star said, "He's a great champion, he's a friend of mine that I grew up with, ever since we were 11, 12 years old we've known each other."

"We've been rivals and we've played some epic matches all over the world so it's kind of sad to know he might play his last Australian Open but I do wish him all the best," he added.

World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the final event of his career. Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation.

World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the final event of his career. Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation. It's kind of sad to see what he's been going through in the last couple of years with these injuries." Talking about Murray's injuries, Novak said, "As someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathize with him and relate to what he's going through. Obviously, probably the extent of his injury is even worse than mine, hips and he had a back surgery and so forth." The 31-year-old Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time rival Murray while speaking at a press conference ahead of this year's first Grand Slam, Australian Open. × The Serbian tennis star said, "He's a great champion, he's a friend of mine that I grew up with, ever since we were 11, 12 years old we've known each other." "We've been rivals and we've played some epic matches all over the world so it's kind of sad to know he might play his last Australian Open but I do wish him all the best," he added.

Andy Murray's retirement decision 'a shocker' for Novak Djokovic

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury.

Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health.

"I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place.

"I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way."

Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams.

He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008.

"I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added.

"As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day."

Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career. Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury. Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health. "I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place. "I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way." Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams. He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008. "I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added. "As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day." Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Roger Federer names Wimbledon as potential future farewell venue

ICC World Cup 2011 final hero Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game.&nbsp;

The Indian southpaw, who has been out of action from the national team from a long time, informed that Ranji Trophy fixture against Andhra Pradesh starting on 6 December at his home ground in Delhi to be his final assignment on the ground.

The 37-year-old has been constantly denied national call-up for last 2 years. Gambhir last featured for the national side against England in a Test match at Rajkot.

Gambhir decided to call it a day&nbsp;via an 11-minute video on Facebook. The 2009 ICC Test Player of the Year represented India in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is.&nbsp;

Gambhir also led SRK co-owned Kolkata to two Indian Premier League (IPL) championships in 2012 and 2014.

Before the 2018 IPL auctions, he chose to part ways with the franchise in order to make himself available for his home team Delhi.&nbsp;

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However, the decision backfired as he did not only have a bad season with the bat but had to step down as the captain of Delhi after the team lost matches consistently.&nbsp;

Gambhir made his debut in 2003, in an ODI, against Bangladesh in Dhaka. In first-class cricket, Gambhir accumulated 15,041 runs and a massive 10,077 runs in List A cricket.

ICC World Cup 2011 final hero Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The Indian southpaw, who has been out of action from the national team from a long time, informed that Ranji Trophy fixture against Andhra Pradesh starting on 6 December at his home ground in Delhi to be his final assignment on the ground.

ICC World Cup 2011 final hero Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The Indian southpaw, who has been out of action from the national team from a long time, informed that Ranji Trophy fixture against Andhra Pradesh starting on 6 December at his home ground in Delhi to be his final assignment on the ground. The 37-year-old has been constantly denied national call-up for last 2 years. Gambhir last featured for the national side against England in a Test match at Rajkot. Gambhir decided to call it a day via an 11-minute video on Facebook. The 2009 ICC Test Player of the Year represented India in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is. Gambhir also led SRK co-owned Kolkata to two Indian Premier League (IPL) championships in 2012 and 2014. Before the 2018 IPL auctions, he chose to part ways with the franchise in order to make himself available for his home team Delhi. × However, the decision backfired as he did not only have a bad season with the bat but had to step down as the captain of Delhi after the team lost matches consistently. Gambhir made his debut in 2003, in an ODI, against Bangladesh in Dhaka. In first-class cricket, Gambhir accumulated 15,041 runs and a massive 10,077 runs in List A cricket.

2011 WC final hero Gautam Gambhir announces retirement

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year professional career.

Cole, who turned 37 last week, made 716 appearances and scored 104 goals for seven clubs and completed his career with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second-tier United Soccer League.

"After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots," Cole, who came through West Ham United's youth system, said in a statement. "It has been a dream come true. All of it.

"Whatever is next, I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been."

Cole made his debut at West Ham aged 17 and became club captain four years later, being heralded as one of England's brightest youth prospects due to his excellent dribbling skills and flair.

He joined Chelsea in 2003, one of a number of recruits brought in following the takeover of the club by Russian Roman Abramovich but struggled to impose himself as a starter in his early days at Stamford Bridge.

However, he went on to win every domestic honour at Chelsea, including three Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

On the international stage, Cole was regarded as a member of England's 'golden generation' which included the likes of Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand.

He scored 10 goals in 56 appearances for the national side between 2001 and 2010, but never quite reached the potential he showed in his youth. Cole was often hindered by injuries throughout his career.

He was selected for the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, making his final England appearance at the latter tournament in South Africa.

Cole's career after leaving Chelsea in 2010 was limited to short uneventful spells at Liverpool, Lille, West Ham, Aston Villa and Coventry City before moving to the United States.

Having enjoyed a short stint as player-assistant coach at the Rowdies, Cole now wishes to pursue a coaching career in the near-future.

"I want to stay involved in the game. I feel I can offer a lot as a coach and have really enjoyed the opportunity to undertake some of these duties with the Rowdies," he added.

"To lend my experience to help other young footballers achieve their dreams, just like I did, is a big passion of mine."

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year professional career.

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year professional career. Cole, who turned 37 last week, made 716 appearances and scored 104 goals for seven clubs and completed his career with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second-tier United Soccer League. "After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots," Cole, who came through West Ham United's youth system, said in a statement. "It has been a dream come true. All of it. "Whatever is next, I hope the next two decades are as special as my last 20 years as a professional have been." Cole made his debut at West Ham aged 17 and became club captain four years later, being heralded as one of England's brightest youth prospects due to his excellent dribbling skills and flair. He joined Chelsea in 2003, one of a number of recruits brought in following the takeover of the club by Russian Roman Abramovich but struggled to impose himself as a starter in his early days at Stamford Bridge. However, he went on to win every domestic honour at Chelsea, including three Premier League titles and two FA Cups. On the international stage, Cole was regarded as a member of England's 'golden generation' which included the likes of Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand. He scored 10 goals in 56 appearances for the national side between 2001 and 2010, but never quite reached the potential he showed in his youth. Cole was often hindered by injuries throughout his career. He was selected for the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, making his final England appearance at the latter tournament in South Africa. Cole's career after leaving Chelsea in 2010 was limited to short uneventful spells at Liverpool, Lille, West Ham, Aston Villa and Coventry City before moving to the United States. Having enjoyed a short stint as player-assistant coach at the Rowdies, Cole now wishes to pursue a coaching career in the near-future. "I want to stay involved in the game. I feel I can offer a lot as a coach and have really enjoyed the opportunity to undertake some of these duties with the Rowdies," he added. "To lend my experience to help other young footballers achieve their dreams, just like I did, is a big passion of mine."

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole announces retirement

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills.&nbsp;

The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener.&nbsp;

In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher.&nbsp;

The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test.&nbsp;

De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series

In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia.&nbsp;

He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation.

The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers.

He has played 228 &nbsp;games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs.

As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor.

De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007.&nbsp;

He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition.&nbsp;

If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-retires-from-all-forms-of-cricket-with-immediate-effect-says-i-am-tired-139205">AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired'</a>

Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions.

De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of &nbsp;50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score.

De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons.&nbsp;

AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014.&nbsp;

In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries.&nbsp;

In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. &nbsp;

Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him.&nbsp;

But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.&nbsp;

While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England.

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills. The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener. In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher. The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test. De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia. He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation. The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers. He has played 228 games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs. As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor. De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007. He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition. If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played. Also read: AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired' Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup. After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions. De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of 50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score. De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons. AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014. In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries. In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him. But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans. ×

AB de Villiers: Mr 360 degree and his cricketing career

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane praised Barcelona captain&nbspAndres Iniesta when he announced to leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season.

Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna.

In a recent media interaction, Zidane said that Iniesta deserved to win the Ballon d'Or in 2010 when Spain won the World Cup.

In the finals, Iniesta scored the only goal when they beat the Netherlands to lift the trophy for the first time.

Manchester City boss also hailed Spain mid-fielders and wished him good luck for the future.

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&nbsp

In the finals of FIFA World Cup, 2010 Iniesta scored for Spain the only goal when they beat the Netherlands to lift the trophy for the first time

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane praised Barcelona captain&nbspAndres Iniesta when he announced to leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna. In a recent media interaction, Zidane said that Iniesta deserved to win the Ballon d'Or in 2010 when Spain won the World Cup. In the finals, Iniesta scored the only goal when they beat the Netherlands to lift the trophy for the first time. Manchester City boss also hailed Spain mid-fielders and wished him good luck for the future. ×

Andres Iniesta deserved Ballon d'Or in 2010, says Zinedine Zidane

Andres Iniesta has announced on Friday that he will leave Spanish club FC Barcelona at the end of the season. From past few months, there were speculations that 33-year old might leave Barca and Spanish media reported that he will move to Chinese Super League.

Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed 33-year old Iniesta and wished him the "best for the future" during a press conference and said that Barcelona's recent trophy-laden history wouldn't have been possible without Andres Iniesta.

"I could say three minutes about what Andres Iniesta means in the world of football, not just in Barcelona. And I think he's another part of the history that Barcelona live in the last 15 to 20 years, it would not have been possible (for them) without him," said City boss Guardiola.

Guardiola, who played alongside his Spanish compatriot and then managed Iniesta at the Camp Nou, paid tribute to his former colleague who is widely expected to move to China at the end of the season.

Guardiola, who played alongside his Spanish compatriot and then managed Iniesta at the Camp Nou, paid tribute to his former colleague who is widely expected to move to China at the end of the season

Andres Iniesta has announced on Friday that he will leave Spanish club FC Barcelona at the end of the season. From past few months, there were speculations that 33-year old might leave Barca and Spanish media reported that he will move to Chinese Super League. Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed 33-year old Iniesta and wished him the "best for the future" during a press conference and said that Barcelona's recent trophy-laden history wouldn't have been possible without Andres Iniesta. "I could say three minutes about what Andres Iniesta means in the world of football, not just in Barcelona. And I think he's another part of the history that Barcelona live in the last 15 to 20 years, it would not have been possible (for them) without him," said City boss Guardiola. Guardiola, who played alongside his Spanish compatriot and then managed Iniesta at the Camp Nou, paid tribute to his former colleague who is widely expected to move to China at the end of the season.

City boss Pep Guardiola wishes Iniesta 'best for the future'

Arsenal boss Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspsaid on Wednesday that the timing of his departure from the Premier League club after nearly 22 years in charge was not his decision.

The north London side announced last week that the 68-year-old would leave the Emirates at the end of the season, despite having one year remaining on his contract.

"The timing wasn't really my decision," the Frenchman told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. "For the rest, I have spoken about it already."

Wenger&nbsphad come under sustained pressure from supporters to bow out after a string of disappointing results.

Arsenal, who are sixth in the domestic standings, can still qualify for next season's Champions League by beating Atletico and going on to win the Europa League.

"Is there a perfect goodbye? I don't know,"&nbspWenger&nbspadded. "I want to do as well as I can... This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them and achieve it with them."

Wenger&nbspsaid he would keep working in football beyond this season but did not specify whether he would take another managerial role.

"Honestly, I don't know what I will do," he said. "Will I take a little rest? I will continue to work, that is for sure. At the moment, I'm not ready to commit to anything else than to give my best for Arsenal football club."

Arsenal's Ukrainian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Thursday's first leg at the Emirates, while Mohamed Elneny is out for the remainder of the season with an ankle ligament injury.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said on Wednesday that the timing of his departure from the Premier League club after nearly 22 years in charge was not his decision

Arsenal boss Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspsaid on Wednesday that the timing of his departure from the Premier League club after nearly 22 years in charge was not his decision. The north London side announced last week that the 68-year-old would leave the Emirates at the end of the season, despite having one year remaining on his contract. "The timing wasn't really my decision," the Frenchman told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. "For the rest, I have spoken about it already." Wenger&nbsphad come under sustained pressure from supporters to bow out after a string of disappointing results. Arsenal, who are sixth in the domestic standings, can still qualify for next season's Champions League by beating Atletico and going on to win the Europa League. "Is there a perfect goodbye? I don't know,"&nbspWenger&nbspadded. "I want to do as well as I can... This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them and achieve it with them." Wenger&nbspsaid he would keep working in football beyond this season but did not specify whether he would take another managerial role. "Honestly, I don't know what I will do," he said. "Will I take a little rest? I will continue to work, that is for sure. At the moment, I'm not ready to commit to anything else than to give my best for Arsenal football club." Arsenal's Ukrainian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Thursday's first leg at the Emirates, while Mohamed Elneny is out for the remainder of the season with an ankle ligament injury.

Leaving Arsenal was not my decision: Arsene Wenger

Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans.

The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job.

"I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United.

"I know that I will not get that anymore in my life."

Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience.

"I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference.

But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world.

"I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said.

Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons.

"I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said.

Fan Base

Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season.

Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg.

The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles.

"At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said.

"I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today."

He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager.

"My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.

'I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful,' says Arsene Wenger

Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans. The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job. "I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United. "I know that I will not get that anymore in my life." Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience. "I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference. But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world. "I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said. Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons. "I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said. Fan Base Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season. Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg. The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles. "At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said. "I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today." He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager. "My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.

Fans did not give image of unity,  that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, recently called it a day to his 22-year long trophy-laden managerial career at the English football club Arsenal.&nbsp;

On April 20, Wenger released a statement annoucing his departure from the club which he held dear for more than two decades.&nbsp; "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in the statement.

Wenger has been with the North London club since October 1996 and oversaw over 1228 games, an achievement unmatched in the Premier League history.

Under Wenger's guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups. He was awarded Premier League Manager of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2004.

In the 2015-16 season, Arsenal was in the Premier League title race but lost crucial matches and an embarrassing defeat to Premier League title winner Leicester City, which was promoted from Championship, resulted in trophy once again evading the North London club. The loss to the eventual title winner triggered a worldwide campaign, #WengerOut. The campaign unraveled like a viral fever and Arsene Wenger was at the receiving end as he could not repeat the successes he brought to the club in his glorious initial days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the fans expectations hit sky high the club's performance descended to such a disastrous low that the #WengerOut slogans got louder and louder. Besides a top-four finish, fans wanted a league title which was never in sight, resulting in frustration among the fans.&nbsp;

Wenger was expected to go or sacked at the end of 2017 season but instead the club, despite his run of poor performance, offered him two- year contract extension.&nbsp;

A legend like Arsene would never want to go through the phase of sacking and that may have pushed him to call it a day. He quit on his own or was asked to, is altogether a different case but Arsenal without Arsene seems an end of an era. Even there were media reports that few of the Arsenal players were supporting the #WengerOut campaign.

Was this campaign necessary at all?

Arsene Wenger took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. Arsenal won seven FA Cups under his guidance. Although the problem appeared as if Wenger's philosophy was not syncing with the Gunners, after Wenger's announcement of retirement, the #WengerOut campaign transformed to #MerciArsene. Good luck, miss you messages are surfacing on the social networking sites but it looks 'fake.'

Even Gary Neville, English football coach and also a pundit, who has slammed Wenger on various occasions, is now sending warms wishes.

Neville said, "The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them.&nbsp; He now deserves the most incredible send-off from all in the coming weeks."

No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club.

Wenger urged the fans to take care of the of core values of the club, he said, "To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club."

My love and support forever — Arsene Wenger

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club

Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, recently called it a day to his 22-year long trophy-laden managerial career at the English football club Arsenal. On April 20, Wenger released a statement annoucing his departure from the club which he held dear for more than two decades. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in the statement. Wenger has been with the North London club since October 1996 and oversaw over 1228 games, an achievement unmatched in the Premier League history. Under Wenger's guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups. He was awarded Premier League Manager of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2004. In the 2015-16 season, Arsenal was in the Premier League title race but lost crucial matches and an embarrassing defeat to Premier League title winner Leicester City, which was promoted from Championship, resulted in trophy once again evading the North London club. The loss to the eventual title winner triggered a worldwide campaign, #WengerOut. The campaign unraveled like a viral fever and Arsene Wenger was at the receiving end as he could not repeat the successes he brought to the club in his glorious initial days. While the fans expectations hit sky high the club's performance descended to such a disastrous low that the #WengerOut slogans got louder and louder. Besides a top-four finish, fans wanted a league title which was never in sight, resulting in frustration among the fans. Wenger was expected to go or sacked at the end of 2017 season but instead the club, despite his run of poor performance, offered him two- year contract extension. A legend like Arsene would never want to go through the phase of sacking and that may have pushed him to call it a day. He quit on his own or was asked to, is altogether a different case but Arsenal without Arsene seems an end of an era. Even there were media reports that few of the Arsenal players were supporting the #WengerOut campaign. Was this campaign necessary at all? Arsene Wenger took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. Arsenal won seven FA Cups under his guidance. Although the problem appeared as if Wenger's philosophy was not syncing with the Gunners, after Wenger's announcement of retirement, the #WengerOut campaign transformed to #MerciArsene. Good luck, miss you messages are surfacing on the social networking sites but it looks 'fake.' Even Gary Neville, English football coach and also a pundit, who has slammed Wenger on various occasions, is now sending warms wishes. Neville said, "The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send-off from all in the coming weeks." No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club. Wenger urged the fans to take care of the of core values of the club, he said, "To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club." My love and support forever — Arsene Wenger (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal?

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers".

Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club.

Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013.

"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website.

"It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.

"In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.

"He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."

The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United.

Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers"

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers". Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club. Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013. "I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website. "It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. "In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal. "He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man." The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United. Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Arsene Wenger 'one of the greatest Premier League managers', says Alex Ferguson

Prominent Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has made an announcement lately that she has retired from acting, thus putting an end to her cinematic career.

Diaz recently reunited with her co-stars Selma Blair and Christina Applegate of the 2002 American comedy "The Sweetest Thing" for an interview with Entertainment Weekly to reminisce about the film, reported CNN.

The topic of the trio having not reunited was brought up, when Diaz said, "Maybe I should, you know, I mean, I'm down. I'm literally doing nothing."

After Applegate said she was semi-retired from acting to raise her children, Diaz responded, "I'm semi-retired, too, and I am actually retired, so I would love to see you ladies."

Diaz last appeared in the 2014 remake of musical "Annie," in which she starred alongside Jamie Foxx.

Her big break arrived in 1994 with Jim Carrey film The Mask.Diaz has starred in a number of hit films, from "There's Something About Mary" to "Charlie`s Angels" to "My Sister's Keeper" to "Shrek."

Diaz last appeared in the 2014 remake of musical 'Annie,' in which she starred alongside Jamie Foxx

Prominent Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has made an announcement lately that she has retired from acting, thus putting an end to her cinematic career. Diaz recently reunited with her co-stars Selma Blair and Christina Applegate of the 2002 American comedy "The Sweetest Thing" for an interview with Entertainment Weekly to reminisce about the film, reported CNN. The topic of the trio having not reunited was brought up, when Diaz said, "Maybe I should, you know, I mean, I'm down. I'm literally doing nothing." After Applegate said she was semi-retired from acting to raise her children, Diaz responded, "I'm semi-retired, too, and I am actually retired, so I would love to see you ladies." Diaz last appeared in the 2014 remake of musical "Annie," in which she starred alongside Jamie Foxx. Her big break arrived in 1994 with Jim Carrey film The Mask.Diaz has starred in a number of hit films, from "There's Something About Mary" to "Charlie`s Angels" to "My Sister's Keeper" to "Shrek."

Cameron Diaz calls it quits, confirms retirement

Spokesman of Myanmar`s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) U Myo Nyunt has rebuffed reports of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi retiring in the near future.

"There are reports that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would retire. I didn`t say that. I said she would be able to retire soon if party members worked hard. It is what she always says. But it doesn`t mean she will retire soon," the spokesman was quoted as saying by a Burmese news portal.&nbsp;

As per local media reports, NLD chief Suu Kyi told members of her party`s Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Saturday that she would like to step down if possible.&nbsp;

Nyunt said that the meeting with CEC members was a social gathering that did not involve discussions on political matters.&nbsp;

Another NLD lawmaker U Nay Myo Tun said that the 73-year-old had said, "she was old and would like to retire as a way of giving her party members friendly encouragement to work harder."

Recently, Suu Kyi cancelled a public speech and question-and-answer session in Sydney, citing ill health.&nbsp;

Says the spokesman of Myanmar`s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) U Myo Nyunt

Spokesman of Myanmar`s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) U Myo Nyunt has rebuffed reports of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi retiring in the near future. "There are reports that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would retire. I didn`t say that. I said she would be able to retire soon if party members worked hard. It is what she always says. But it doesn`t mean she will retire soon," the spokesman was quoted as saying by a Burmese news portal. As per local media reports, NLD chief Suu Kyi told members of her party`s Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Saturday that she would like to step down if possible. Nyunt said that the meeting with CEC members was a social gathering that did not involve discussions on political matters. Another NLD lawmaker U Nay Myo Tun said that the 73-year-old had said, "she was old and would like to retire as a way of giving her party members friendly encouragement to work harder." Recently, Suu Kyi cancelled a public speech and question-and-answer session in Sydney, citing ill health.

Aung San Suu Kyi not retiring anytime soon

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Saturday officially confirmed the news of his retirement from cricket in a heartfelt post on social media platform, Instagram.

&quot;Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30,000+ runs including 152 fifty&#39;s and 68 hundred in my pro career. Four Ashes wins. Home and away! T20 World Cup win. Beaten India in India. Home and away 100&#39;s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who has just been the most unreal supporters through thick and thin! I&#39;m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!,&quot; Pietersen wrote on Instagram.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbC6kej9qK/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty&rsquo;s &amp; 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home &amp; away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home &amp; away 100&rsquo;s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick &amp; thin! I&rsquo;m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kp24/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kevin Pietersen</a> (@kp24) on <time datetime="2018-03-17T11:25:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT</time>
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The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter.

&quot;BOOTS UP! Thank you!,&quot; read a tweet.

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BOOTS UP! 
Thank you! ????
&mdash; Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/974663767752572928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last month, Pietersen said the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) would be his last appearance in a cricket tournament abroad.

However, it seems that the swashbuckling batsman has called time on his career entirely.

The 37-year-old, who represented Quetta Gladiators during the PSL, has played for a number of teams across the world since 2014, when he was told that he will no longer be a part of England&#39;s team.

Pietersen played for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean and Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa.

He also represented Surrey in county cricket.

In 104 Tests for England, Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries and 35 fifties.

In 136 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he collected 4,440 runs with nine centuries and 25 half-centuries.

He also appeared in 37 T20Is, scoring 1,176 runs with seven half-centuries and was part of the World T20 winning team in 2010.

Former teammate Michael Vaughan was among the first to congratulate KP on his &quot;fantastic career&quot;, even calling him &quot;the best batsman&quot; that he played with.

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Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KP24</a> on an fantastic career ... Not everyone&rsquo;s Cup of Tea but you will do for me ... Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with ... 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WellDone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WellDone</a>
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/974758990726029314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In February 2014, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sacked Pietersen, because they could not be confident of his full support for captain Alastair Cook, according to The Guardian.

The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Saturday officially confirmed the news of his retirement from cricket in a heartfelt post on social media platform, Instagram. "Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30,000+ runs including 152 fifty's and 68 hundred in my pro career. Four Ashes wins. Home and away! T20 World Cup win. Beaten India in India. Home and away 100's in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who has just been the most unreal supporters through thick and thin! I'm super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!," Pietersen wrote on Instagram. Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty’s & 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home & away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home & away 100’s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick & thin! I’m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game! A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT × The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter. "BOOTS UP! Thank you!," read a tweet. BOOTS UP! Thank you! ???? — Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 16, 2018 × Last month, Pietersen said the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) would be his last appearance in a cricket tournament abroad. However, it seems that the swashbuckling batsman has called time on his career entirely. The 37-year-old, who represented Quetta Gladiators during the PSL, has played for a number of teams across the world since 2014, when he was told that he will no longer be a part of England's team. Pietersen played for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean and Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa. He also represented Surrey in county cricket. In 104 Tests for England, Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries and 35 fifties. In 136 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he collected 4,440 runs with nine centuries and 25 half-centuries. He also appeared in 37 T20Is, scoring 1,176 runs with seven half-centuries and was part of the World T20 winning team in 2010. Former teammate Michael Vaughan was among the first to congratulate KP on his "fantastic career", even calling him "the best batsman" that he played with. Well done @KP24 on an fantastic career ... Not everyone’s Cup of Tea but you will do for me ... Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with ... 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. #WellDone — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 16, 2018 × In February 2014, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sacked Pietersen, because they could not be confident of his full support for captain Alastair Cook, according to The Guardian.

Kevin Pietersen confirms retirement in heartfelt Instagram post

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick confirmed on Monday he will bring an end to his illustrious career at the end of the current season at the age of 36.

Carrick has won 18 trophies in 12 years at United, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

However, he has featured in just four games this season having had a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm detected in a League Cup game against Burton Albion in September.

&quot;There comes a time when, you like it or you don&#39;t like it, your body tells you it&#39;s time to stop playing football and that&#39;s pretty much where I&#39;m at,&quot; Carrick said on Monday.

&quot;It&#39;s fine, it&#39;s something you&#39;ve got to accept so that is where I&#39;m at.&quot;

Carrick is, though, expected to remain at United as part of Jose Mourinho&#39;s coaching staff next season.

&quot;It&#39;s kind of been sorted,&quot; added Carrick. &quot;We&#39;re still talking about it to be honest so there is nothing to totally confirm yet but it&#39;s looking likely.&quot;

&nbsp;

'There comes a time when, you like it or you don't like it, your body tells you it's time to stop playing football and that's pretty much where I'm at,' said Michael Carrick

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick confirmed on Monday he will bring an end to his illustrious career at the end of the current season at the age of 36. Carrick has won 18 trophies in 12 years at United, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. However, he has featured in just four games this season having had a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm detected in a League Cup game against Burton Albion in September. "There comes a time when, you like it or you don't like it, your body tells you it's time to stop playing football and that's pretty much where I'm at," Carrick said on Monday. "It's fine, it's something you've got to accept so that is where I'm at." Carrick is, though, expected to remain at United as part of Jose Mourinho's coaching staff next season. "It's kind of been sorted," added Carrick. "We're still talking about it to be honest so there is nothing to totally confirm yet but it's looking likely."

Michael Carrick to retire at end of the season

Canada&#39;s finance minister unveiled a budget on Tuesday that looks to boost the number of working women to head off a looming labour shortage.

It underscores the need to knock down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the workforce, and comes as a large segment of the population heads into retirement.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau proposed legislating pay equity, and offering parental leave to fathers &quot;to make it easier for women to return to work sooner if they so choose.&quot;

This is in addition to Can$7.5 billion (US$5.9 billion) previously earmarked to create 40,000 new daycare spaces over the next three years.

&quot;For the first time in our history, there are now more Canadians aged 65 and older than there are people under the age of 15,&quot; Morneau said in a speech to parliament.

&quot;Who will step in to fill the gap left as more and more seniors leave the workforce? We believe that Canada&#39;s future rests on making sure that every Canadian has an opportunity to work, and to earn a good living from that work.

&quot;And that includes Canada&#39;s talented, ambitious, and hard-working women.&quot;

The gender gap in Canada&#39;s labour market has already seen a dramatic shift in the last 40 years. In 2017, nearly 83 percent of women aged 25 to 54 were working, up from less than 54 percent in 1977, according to the government statistical agency.

But women on average still earn just 69 cents for every dollar earned by men, a situation Morneau&#39;s initiatives seek to change.

Otherwise, the budget offers a mere Can$7.6 billion in new program spending and put off new major initiatives -- such as national pharmacare &mdash; until the next election cycle in 2019.

Canada&#39;s economy surged after Liberals took office in 2015 and unleashed a massive fiscal stimulus. But growth is now forecast to slow from 3.0 percent last year to 2.2 percent in 2018, and 1.6 percent in 2019.

Under the government&#39;s plan, the fiscal deficit would fall to Can$18.1 billion, or 0.8 percent of Canada&#39;s gross domestic product.

The budget includes Can$323.4 billion in revenues and Can$338.5 in program spending and public debt charges.

The federal debt is forecast to rise to Can$669.6 billion (or 30.1 percent of the economy) and keep going up, with no end in sight.

The budget underscores the need to knock down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the workforce, and comes as a large segment of the population heads into retirement

Canada's finance minister unveiled a budget on Tuesday that looks to boost the number of working women to head off a looming labour shortage. It underscores the need to knock down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the workforce, and comes as a large segment of the population heads into retirement. Finance Minister Bill Morneau proposed legislating pay equity, and offering parental leave to fathers "to make it easier for women to return to work sooner if they so choose." This is in addition to Can$7.5 billion (US$5.9 billion) previously earmarked to create 40,000 new daycare spaces over the next three years. "For the first time in our history, there are now more Canadians aged 65 and older than there are people under the age of 15," Morneau said in a speech to parliament. "Who will step in to fill the gap left as more and more seniors leave the workforce? We believe that Canada's future rests on making sure that every Canadian has an opportunity to work, and to earn a good living from that work. "And that includes Canada's talented, ambitious, and hard-working women." The gender gap in Canada's labour market has already seen a dramatic shift in the last 40 years. In 2017, nearly 83 percent of women aged 25 to 54 were working, up from less than 54 percent in 1977, according to the government statistical agency. But women on average still earn just 69 cents for every dollar earned by men, a situation Morneau's initiatives seek to change. Otherwise, the budget offers a mere Can$7.6 billion in new program spending and put off new major initiatives -- such as national pharmacare — until the next election cycle in 2019. Canada's economy surged after Liberals took office in 2015 and unleashed a massive fiscal stimulus. But growth is now forecast to slow from 3.0 percent last year to 2.2 percent in 2018, and 1.6 percent in 2019. Under the government's plan, the fiscal deficit would fall to Can$18.1 billion, or 0.8 percent of Canada's gross domestic product. The budget includes Can$323.4 billion in revenues and Can$338.5 in program spending and public debt charges. The federal debt is forecast to rise to Can$669.6 billion (or 30.1 percent of the economy) and keep going up, with no end in sight.

To head off labour shortage, Canada budget breaks down gender barriers

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho has retired from professional football at the age of 37, according to his&nbsp;agent&nbsp;and&nbsp;brother&nbsp;Roberto Assis on Tuesday (16th January).

His brother Roberto Assis said in a column for Brazil media outlet O Globo and revealed plans for farewell tribute events following the 2018 World Cup.

&ldquo;He has stopped, it is ended,&rdquo; Assis said. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s do something pretty big and nice after the Russia World Cup, probably in August.&quot;

&quot;We will do various events in Brazil, Europe and Asia and, of course, we are arranging something with the Brazilian team as well,&rdquo; he added.

Ronaldinho&#39;s career began with Gremio in Porto Alegre, his hometown, before he emerged as a star with French giants PSG.

He along with Ronaldo and Rivaldo led the Brazilian team to victory in 2002 World Cup.

His performance during the World Cup drew interest from Spanish giant, Barcelona and he finally joined the club in 2003.

He spent 5 years at Camp Nou and won&nbsp;the 2006 Champions League and was awarded the 2005 Ballon d&rsquo;Or.

After a period of huge success, he faced disappointment. Poor 2006 World Cup and missing out on selection in 2010.

He&nbsp;reportedly lost focus at Barcelona and was sold to Milan but he proved his abilities there and won the Serie A title in 2010/11.

He played his last match in 2015 during a brief stint with Fluminense.

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho has retired from professional football his brother Roberto Assis confirmed on Tuesday.

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho has retired from professional football at the age of 37, according to his agent and brother Roberto Assis on Tuesday (16th January). His brother Roberto Assis said in a column for Brazil media outlet O Globo and revealed plans for farewell tribute events following the 2018 World Cup. “He has stopped, it is ended,” Assis said. “Let’s do something pretty big and nice after the Russia World Cup, probably in August." "We will do various events in Brazil, Europe and Asia and, of course, we are arranging something with the Brazilian team as well,” he added. Ronaldinho's career began with Gremio in Porto Alegre, his hometown, before he emerged as a star with French giants PSG. He along with Ronaldo and Rivaldo led the Brazilian team to victory in 2002 World Cup. His performance during the World Cup drew interest from Spanish giant, Barcelona and he finally joined the club in 2003. He spent 5 years at Camp Nou and won the 2006 Champions League and was awarded the 2005 Ballon d’Or. After a period of huge success, he faced disappointment. Poor 2006 World Cup and missing out on selection in 2010. He reportedly lost focus at Barcelona and was sold to Milan but he proved his abilities there and won the Serie A title in 2010/11. He played his last match in 2015 during a brief stint with Fluminense.

Brazilian star Ronaldinho retires from professional football at 37

Grace is the word for Sonia Gandhi. Good or bad, in&nbsp;success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician. A person who guarded her privacy with fierce intensity and also worked tirelessly to ensure that the role of Nehru-Gandhi family remains intact within the Congress and in public memory. She implemented seminal legislations like MNREGA, Right to Information and food which catered to the poorest and empowered the middle class. On the other hand, she willingly accommodated all the little dynasties within and outside her party like a social network, meshing political with personal.

Her approach towards secularism and economy remained Nehruvian but still allowed Manmohan Singh to go ahead with radical steps like Nuclear deal with America where Congress had to work hard to ensure that the government doesn&rsquo;t fall. She balanced her social commitment with a neo-liberal economic approach of Manmohan Singh who opened Indian economy to the world.

The beauty of Sonia Gandhi lies in her contradictions which she wore very gracefully. After taking over the reign of the Congress&nbsp;she behaved like dowagers, ensuring that top position remains warm for her son Rahul. It did not mean that she did not accommodate the others. She did. Not only she shared power unlike Indira Gandhi but also allowed them to exercise it. The best example is her Political Secretary Ahmad Patel who virtually ran the party for her.

She remained committed to environmental causes like Indira Gandhi. Her focus remained on poor, marginal labourer, farmers and tribals. Many laws enacted during her tenure earned her the wrath of the powerful industrial lobby which eventually sided with Narendra Modi. She almost got labelled as anti-industry and Manmohan Singh had to face the brunt of it. In fact, the downside of her legacy is the institution of the Prime Minister got weak in her tenure. The emergence and assertion of Rahul Gandhi and her own National Advisory Council became the tool by the Opposition to ram Manmohan Singh as an ineffective politician. No one tried to break this image which ultimately harmed Gandhi&rsquo;s more than Manmohan Singh.

It still remains a mystery as to how she allowed Congress to commit hara-kiri by mishandling Telangana issue. Today Congress remains pariah in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The burden of carrying Raja into the ministry despite Manmohan Singh will fall on Sonia&rsquo;s shoulder and not on Manmohan Singh. She was consensus maker but failed to understand the power of d&eacute;tente when the face of the enemy changed. She brought Congress to power twice but failed to build the party apparatus which got tuned to riding to power on sympathy surge.

At a personal level, Sonia&rsquo;s cold fury would be missed by many. It remained her style.

Another of her big achievement was that she ended the isolation of the Congress Party. She broke the paradigm of the 70s. She understood that Congress will not be able to match BJP&rsquo;s Hindutva either in soft or hard form, therefore, she built alliances with regional parties who also felt threatened.

She builds bridges across parties including DMK, which allowed her to form the first Congress government after 1996. She managed a galaxy of leaders like Pranab Mukherji to Natwar Singh to Madhav Rao Scindhia to Sharad Pawar during her tenure. Later the very gravitas at the top and inherited squabble between them damaged the Congress. Sonia failed to control them.

She also failed to see the hardening of the Hindu sentiment against the Congress and the cultured surrounding of Sonia came to be perceived as elitist. Perhaps her political nuance became dated. Modi was an outsider and she immediately became a quintessential insider.

She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account nor she is on Facebook. Despite being in public, Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s influence on 10 years of UPA continues to remain hidden. Most of her correspondence with important functionaries are in public domain. It would be of great interest how she shaped policy in conversations. But all said and done, in her beauty and ugliness, in her great achievement and failure, she remained a graceful politician. Grace defines her.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account or Facebook account. Good or bad, in success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician

Grace is the word for Sonia Gandhi. Good or bad, in success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician. A person who guarded her privacy with fierce intensity and also worked tirelessly to ensure that the role of Nehru-Gandhi family remains intact within the Congress and in public memory. She implemented seminal legislations like MNREGA, Right to Information and food which catered to the poorest and empowered the middle class. On the other hand, she willingly accommodated all the little dynasties within and outside her party like a social network, meshing political with personal. Her approach towards secularism and economy remained Nehruvian but still allowed Manmohan Singh to go ahead with radical steps like Nuclear deal with America where Congress had to work hard to ensure that the government doesn’t fall. She balanced her social commitment with a neo-liberal economic approach of Manmohan Singh who opened Indian economy to the world. The beauty of Sonia Gandhi lies in her contradictions which she wore very gracefully. After taking over the reign of the Congress she behaved like dowagers, ensuring that top position remains warm for her son Rahul. It did not mean that she did not accommodate the others. She did. Not only she shared power unlike Indira Gandhi but also allowed them to exercise it. The best example is her Political Secretary Ahmad Patel who virtually ran the party for her. She remained committed to environmental causes like Indira Gandhi. Her focus remained on poor, marginal labourer, farmers and tribals. Many laws enacted during her tenure earned her the wrath of the powerful industrial lobby which eventually sided with Narendra Modi. She almost got labelled as anti-industry and Manmohan Singh had to face the brunt of it. In fact, the downside of her legacy is the institution of the Prime Minister got weak in her tenure. The emergence and assertion of Rahul Gandhi and her own National Advisory Council became the tool by the Opposition to ram Manmohan Singh as an ineffective politician. No one tried to break this image which ultimately harmed Gandhi’s more than Manmohan Singh. It still remains a mystery as to how she allowed Congress to commit hara-kiri by mishandling Telangana issue. Today Congress remains pariah in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The burden of carrying Raja into the ministry despite Manmohan Singh will fall on Sonia’s shoulder and not on Manmohan Singh. She was consensus maker but failed to understand the power of détente when the face of the enemy changed. She brought Congress to power twice but failed to build the party apparatus which got tuned to riding to power on sympathy surge. At a personal level, Sonia’s cold fury would be missed by many. It remained her style. Another of her big achievement was that she ended the isolation of the Congress Party. She broke the paradigm of the 70s. She understood that Congress will not be able to match BJP’s Hindutva either in soft or hard form, therefore, she built alliances with regional parties who also felt threatened. She builds bridges across parties including DMK, which allowed her to form the first Congress government after 1996. She managed a galaxy of leaders like Pranab Mukherji to Natwar Singh to Madhav Rao Scindhia to Sharad Pawar during her tenure. Later the very gravitas at the top and inherited squabble between them damaged the Congress. Sonia failed to control them. She also failed to see the hardening of the Hindu sentiment against the Congress and the cultured surrounding of Sonia came to be perceived as elitist. Perhaps her political nuance became dated. Modi was an outsider and she immediately became a quintessential insider. She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account nor she is on Facebook. Despite being in public, Sonia Gandhi’s influence on 10 years of UPA continues to remain hidden. Most of her correspondence with important functionaries are in public domain. It would be of great interest how she shaped policy in conversations. But all said and done, in her beauty and ugliness, in her great achievement and failure, she remained a graceful politician. Grace defines her. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: An era ends, Sonia Gandhi, a graceful politician

Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has announced her retirement, the BBC reported on Wednesday (September 13).

The broadcaster also quotes the soprano saying &quot;I won&#39;t sing in public again&quot; in the interview on Radio 4&#39;s Today programme.

Ti Kanawa, who is part-Maori, is one of the world&#39;s great prima donnas and had already retired from the opera stage in 2004 but still performed recitals around the world.

In her career spanning over four decades she has worked with classical music stars including Frederica von Stade, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo. She had her first big international success at Covent Garden singing the role of Countess Almaviva in Mozart&#39;s &quot;The Marriage of Figaro&quot; in 1971.

The broadcaster also quotes the soprano saying "I won't sing in public again" in the interview on Radio 4's Today programme.

Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has announced her retirement, the BBC reported on Wednesday (September 13). The broadcaster also quotes the soprano saying "I won't sing in public again" in the interview on Radio 4's Today programme. Ti Kanawa, who is part-Maori, is one of the world's great prima donnas and had already retired from the opera stage in 2004 but still performed recitals around the world. In her career spanning over four decades she has worked with classical music stars including Frederica von Stade, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo. She had her first big international success at Covent Garden singing the role of Countess Almaviva in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" in 1971.

Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa announces retirement

A statue of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi was unveiled in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, just days after the Barcelona forward announced he was walking away from international play. 
 
The statue was uncovered by Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, who said the inauguration of the statue was just on time to call on Messi to reconsider his decision to leave the national team. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a very opportune moment we have today with the inauguration of his statue. And I think a good way to ask Lio to come with us, for him to remain together with us and for him to take us by the hand and to win, and I don&#39;t have any doubts that we&#39;d win the World Cup in Russia, is for those who can, Portenos or Argentines who come here to visit; to come, take your picture with the statue of Lio and post it on social media as a way to ask Lio to stick with us,&quot; Rodriguez Larreta said. 
 
Argentina&#39;s failure to defeat Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario in the United States, a fourth lost final with the national team for Messi, proved too much for the little magician, leading him to quit international football on June 26. 
 
Taking into account the Confederations Cup, Argentina have lost seven major finals since 1995, three of them to arch-rivals Brazil, and four since Messi&#39;s debut in 2005, including the 2014 World Cup final defeat by Germany. 
 
Members from Argentina&#39;s 1986 World Cup championship team also weighed in on Messi&#39;s departure. 
 
&quot;I think it is just a hot moment, of frustration for not being able to achieve anything, but hopefully, God willing, he will reevaluate what he said and remain on the national team,&quot; said Hector Enrique of the 1986 squad. 
 
&quot;There&#39;s nothing to say to Messi. He just needs to talk with himself and his family,&quot; said Carlos Bilbardo who led the 1986 team as coach. 
 
&quot;Messi&#39;s retirement is due to the difficult moment he is going through. It is definitely his toughest moment as far as soccer goes, but I don&#39;t think this is the end. He will analyse it, evaluate it, and Messi is going to continue to play with the Argentine national team. Maybe that&#39;s just what I think. We&#39;ll have to see how he feels,&quot; added Luis Islas who was a substitute goalkeeper for the 1986 side. 
 
Messi&#39;s only major international honour has been Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, even though at club level he has won four Champions Leagues with Spain&#39;s Barcelona. 
 
Messi has been named World Player of the year five times and he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina&#39;s top scorer in the Copa America semi-final against the United States. 
 
The statue, made of polyester resin and reinforced fibreglass built around a medal interior, was designed by realist sculptor Carlos Benavidez. 
 
The statue stands at Buenos Aires&#39; Paseo de la Gloria &quot;Glory Way&quot; which honours national sports heroes in the city&#39;s Costanera Sur Park near the Puerto Madero neighbourhood. 
 
(Reuters)

Lionel Messi statue stands at Buenos Aires' 'Glory Way', in a city park honouring national sports heroes

A statue of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi was unveiled in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, just days after the Barcelona forward announced he was walking away from international play. The statue was uncovered by Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, who said the inauguration of the statue was just on time to call on Messi to reconsider his decision to leave the national team. "It's a very opportune moment we have today with the inauguration of his statue. And I think a good way to ask Lio to come with us, for him to remain together with us and for him to take us by the hand and to win, and I don't have any doubts that we'd win the World Cup in Russia, is for those who can, Portenos or Argentines who come here to visit; to come, take your picture with the statue of Lio and post it on social media as a way to ask Lio to stick with us," Rodriguez Larreta said. Argentina's failure to defeat Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario in the United States, a fourth lost final with the national team for Messi, proved too much for the little magician, leading him to quit international football on June 26. Taking into account the Confederations Cup, Argentina have lost seven major finals since 1995, three of them to arch-rivals Brazil, and four since Messi's debut in 2005, including the 2014 World Cup final defeat by Germany. Members from Argentina's 1986 World Cup championship team also weighed in on Messi's departure. "I think it is just a hot moment, of frustration for not being able to achieve anything, but hopefully, God willing, he will reevaluate what he said and remain on the national team," said Hector Enrique of the 1986 squad. "There's nothing to say to Messi. He just needs to talk with himself and his family," said Carlos Bilbardo who led the 1986 team as coach. "Messi's retirement is due to the difficult moment he is going through. It is definitely his toughest moment as far as soccer goes, but I don't think this is the end. He will analyse it, evaluate it, and Messi is going to continue to play with the Argentine national team. Maybe that's just what I think. We'll have to see how he feels," added Luis Islas who was a substitute goalkeeper for the 1986 side. Messi's only major international honour has been Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, even though at club level he has won four Champions Leagues with Spain's Barcelona. Messi has been named World Player of the year five times and he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's top scorer in the Copa America semi-final against the United States. The statue, made of polyester resin and reinforced fibreglass built around a medal interior, was designed by realist sculptor Carlos Benavidez. The statue stands at Buenos Aires' Paseo de la Gloria "Glory Way" which honours national sports heroes in the city's Costanera Sur Park near the Puerto Madero neighbourhood. (Reuters)

Argentina inaugurates Messi statue days after legend announces retirement from international play

San Antonio&nbsp;Spurs long time coach Gregg Popovich described five-time NBA champion Tim Duncan on Tuesday as the best example of a leader any coach in the NBA could hope for. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s the most real, consistent and true person I&#39;ve met in my life,&quot; Popovich said. &quot;When he speaks it&#39;s for a purpose. He led by example.&quot; 
 
Popovich was speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, 24 hours after Duncan, who is considered one of the greatest players in history, announced his retirement, ending 19 brilliant seasons with the Spurs. 
 
Duncan and Popovich formed one of the most successful duos in National Basketball Association history, accounting for the most wins ever by a player-coach combination at 1,001. 
 
&quot;I figured I better come out and do this and somehow say goodbye to him, which is an impossibility for a lot of reasons,&quot; said Popovich, who wore a black shirt with a picture of Duncan that read &quot;Impossible Is Potential&quot;. &quot;He&#39;s been the best teammate anyone could ever imagine.&quot; 
 
Duncan wasn&#39;t present for the news conference. 
 
The 40-year-old Duncan, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent his entire career with the Spurs, an anomaly in a league where players often change teams.&nbsp;The Spurs reached the playoffs in every one of his 19 seasons. 
 
&quot;I would not be standing here if it wasn&#39;t for Tim Duncan,&quot; Popovich said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d be in the Budweiser League someplace in America, fat and still trying to play basketball or coach basketball.&nbsp;But he&#39;s why I&#39;m standing. He&#39;s made livings for hundreds of us, staff and coaches, over the years and never said a word, just came to work every day.&nbsp;Came early, stayed late, was there for every single person, from the top of the roster to the bottom of the roster.&quot; 
 
Duncan, also teamed with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to form one of the most successful trios in NBA history. They hold the league record for regular season wins (575) and postseason wins (126). 
 
Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time regular season MVP, led San Antonio to titles in 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2014.&nbsp;The Spurs posted a 1,072-438 regular-season record since drafting Duncan, the best 19-year run in league history. 
 
(AFP) 
 
&nbsp;

Duncan and Popovich formed one of the most successful duos in National Basketball Association history, accounting for the most wins ever by a player-coach combination at 1,001

San Antonio Spurs long time coach Gregg Popovich described five-time NBA champion Tim Duncan on Tuesday as the best example of a leader any coach in the NBA could hope for. "He's the most real, consistent and true person I've met in my life," Popovich said. "When he speaks it's for a purpose. He led by example." Popovich was speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, 24 hours after Duncan, who is considered one of the greatest players in history, announced his retirement, ending 19 brilliant seasons with the Spurs. Duncan and Popovich formed one of the most successful duos in National Basketball Association history, accounting for the most wins ever by a player-coach combination at 1,001. "I figured I better come out and do this and somehow say goodbye to him, which is an impossibility for a lot of reasons," said Popovich, who wore a black shirt with a picture of Duncan that read "Impossible Is Potential". "He's been the best teammate anyone could ever imagine." Duncan wasn't present for the news conference. The 40-year-old Duncan, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent his entire career with the Spurs, an anomaly in a league where players often change teams. The Spurs reached the playoffs in every one of his 19 seasons. "I would not be standing here if it wasn't for Tim Duncan," Popovich said. "I'd be in the Budweiser League someplace in America, fat and still trying to play basketball or coach basketball. But he's why I'm standing. He's made livings for hundreds of us, staff and coaches, over the years and never said a word, just came to work every day. Came early, stayed late, was there for every single person, from the top of the roster to the bottom of the roster." Duncan, also teamed with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to form one of the most successful trios in NBA history. They hold the league record for regular season wins (575) and postseason wins (126). Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time regular season MVP, led San Antonio to titles in 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2014. The Spurs posted a 1,072-438 regular-season record since drafting Duncan, the best 19-year run in league history. (AFP)

Spurs coach Popovich bids farewell to Duncan

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