Sir Alex’s thank you message to medical staff who saved his life

Legendary manager speaks publicly for first time since brain haemorrhage

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken publicly for the first time since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May.

The former Manchester United manager, who has been recovering at home for the past two months, has thanked medical staff in a video message released by the club.

The 76-year-old has also revealed that he intends to be back at Old Trafford to watch United in the coming season.

Sir Alex said: “Hello. Just a quick message first of all to thank the medical staff at Macclesfield, Salford Royal and Alexandra hospitals. Believe me, without those people, who gave me such great care, I would not be sitting here today. So, thank you from me and my family. Thank you very much.

“It has made me feel so humble, as have all the messages I have had from all over the world, wishing me the best, and the good wishes resonate very strongly with me. So thank you for that support you have given me.

“And lastly, I will be back later in the season to watch the team. In the meantime, all the best to Jose and the players. Thank you very much.”

The Scot looked well as he spoke directly to camera during the video message, which was tweeted by the club.

Sir Alex, Britain’s most successful football manager, received well wishes from around the sporting world after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.

He spent four days in intensive care. Sir Alex, who retired in 2013 to spend more time with his wife Cathy after the death of her sister, won 38 trophies during a 26-year spell in charge of United, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

Prior to that he won 11 trophies with Aberdeen.

Although he had retired, he was a regular attendee at Old Trafford to watch his former charges.

Just a week before he was rushed to hospital, Sir Alex appeared on the pitch at Old Trafford to present outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger – his long-time rival – with a trophy recognising his career achievements.

Sir Alex began his playing career with Glasgow club Queen’s Park before having spells with St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United.

He retired as a player in 1974 and began his managerial career at East Stirlingshire before going to St Mirren, where he won the Scottish first division title in 1977.

He managed Scotland in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico following the death of Jock Stein and became Manchester United manager later that year.

Without those people, who gave me such great care, I would not be sitting here today. So thank you

Picture: PA. Sir Alex Ferguson says he feels so humble after receiving goodwill messages from around the world following his emergency brain surgery in May.