End of the road for Solskjaer

The Norwegian, who moved to Old Trafford 11 years ago and scored the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, has decided to step down after continuing problems with a knee injury.

Calling it a day: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer will remain at the club in a coaching capacity and will represent Manchester United as an official ambassador.

Solskjaer said: "I would like to thank the manager. The coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters, who have supported me through my career.

"They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured."

And father Oyvind admitted the decision had not been an easy one for the striker.

"He wanted to keep playing," Solskjaer senior told Aftenposten.no. "This is sad for us, and for him, that he has to quit.

"He'd hoped to recover 100%, but now something has happened in his knee that makes it impossible for him to continue.

"But he believed himself that he still had a lot to offer on the football field, if he'd just recover."

Solsjkaer, who flew to Manchester this morning from his hometown of Kristiansund, was appointed a club ambassador last year - a role he is expected to continue and develop - and could well be given a long-term coaching position at the club he has served so loyally over the years.

Solskjaer joined the Red Devils for £1.5million from Molde in 1996 but has spent the last four seasons struggling with injury and was yet to appear for the Red Devils this season.

He did manage 11 goals in United's title-winning campaign last term, with his most recent appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed a player who "achieved everything".

"Ending your playing career is a sad day for anyone, in the case of Ole, he has 11 fantastic years he can look back on," he said.

"Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve.

"He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional in his responsibility as a player, in his demeanour and his manners have always been exemplary.

"Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach."

Chief executive David Gill added: "Ole has provided us all with some exceptional memories during his time here at the club.

"Nobody will ever forget his dramatic winner in Barcelona, but much more than that his dedication and professionalism make him one of the great role models in football."