Gary Neville
Name: Gary Neville
Place of birth: Bury, England
Nationality: British
Birth Name: Gary Alexander Neville
Nick Name: Citizen Neville, Red Nev
Current team: Manchester United
Number: 2
Position: Defender
Manchester United
Gary Neville is England’s most capped right full back player, having started playing at Manchester when very young. He is one of the few players who play their entire career at one club. However, the MU captain has never been bored in his life; on the contrary, he has had plenty to offer throughout his career. He made his senior debut for MU against Torpedo Moscow in the UEFA Cup in September 1992. Gary was part of the young, energetic 1990s MU side, for whom Alex Fergusson had big plans. This team also had Gary’s brother Phil Neville. He outshone as one of the most promising players, becoming a regular for the team at the right back position in the 90s.
Captaincy
In December 2005, Gary became the new captain of MU, after Roy Keane left as a captain. Gary has led the team to seven Premiership championship titles, one European cup, one League Cup, and three FA cups. Despite a long season battling injuries in 2007, he made a remarkable come back against AS Roma, in the UEFA championships quarter final as the 81st minute substitute for Anderson Olivera. Neville’s comeback was cheered by thousands of fans in the stadium, and gracefully reclaimed his captaincy. His comeback match was also his 99th Champions League match.
International
Gary was the youngest first choice right back in the England team during the Euro championships of 96. He played for England in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and also the Euro 2000. Although he missed some qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup, he was back to play for the national team in their World Cup squad. He played his usual position of right back in the opening match, but injured his calf during training. He missed several matches, only to return on June 27 to play against Portugal. This match was his 81st cap as an England player, beating the records of Gary Linekar and Michael Owen.
Records
On February 7, 2007 Gary won his 85th cap in the friendly against Spain. This match brought him closer Sansom’s record- with just one cap less. He holds or co holds numerous other England records. Together with his brother Phil Neville, who was with MU from 1993 to 2005, they hold the record for the most capped brothers in England, with 142 matches between them.
Personal Quotes
“This is the real thing, this is no show pony.”
“I've had a good crack but if I don't win another two or more before I retire I would still feel I had underachieved. What motivates me is to keep winning. To be part of teams that win things, the hour after the game, the night of celebration - it is the most incredible feeling you are ever going to get in your life. I have had it quite a few times but you never get enough of it.”
“We are not dead yet.”
“Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager Manchester United has ever had. It is ridiculous for people to suggest he leaves. Who do they want to replace him? Ron Atkinson, Tommy Docherty?”
Trivia/Gossip
Gary is somewhat of a ‘union leader’ figure in the England team. He had allegedly planned the boycott against Turkey in the Euro 2004 qualifier to protest against teammate Rio Ferdinand’s ban because he missed a drug test.
Neville has been the tourism ambassador to Malta since 2001, and works to promote the country with Air Malta.
Gary was involved with controversy when the 2005 England versus Netherlands game was used to promote an anti racism campaign. Gary questioned the authorities as to the actual motive of the campaign, as opposed to just rake in sponsorship money.
Spouse/Girlfriend/Boyfriend
Gary Neville married Emma Padfield on 18th June 2007.
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=168639/
http://www.unitedonline.co.uk/squad/player.php?id=4
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=5826
