Norwegian international Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was forced to
retire from the game last season after failing to recover from a
long-term knee injury, has been working out in the gym to prepare
for at least a 20-minute cameo in his own testimonial game next
week.
Solskjaer memorably scored for Manchester United in the 1999
Champions League final to secure legendary status at Old
Trafford.
But he now approaches the end of the road with the August
2nd visit of Espanyol bringing down the curtain on a
fine career.
Solskjaer told the Proferssional Footballers Association
official website: "It is like the end of a chapter. My dad was over
here last weekend and we were chatting about it. I guess there is a
sense of closure. It will mean a lot to experience playing on that
stage [Old Trafford] for one last time."
Solskjaer, 35, has been appointed reserve team coach at United.
He added: "I am not an emotional type of person so there shouldn't
be any tears, but it's like a wedding speech – you can prepare as
much as you want for situations but you can never be absolutely
sure how you will react."
Charity Work
The Scandinavian also pledged to continue his charity work,
which included hosting a kick-about at United’s Carrington training
complex this week for the siblings of young cancer sufferers
through Christie's Hospital in Manchester.
"We all know how horrible cancer is and how it has touched so
many lives. Around the time of my injuries, a very close friend of
mine was diagnosed with it and it just put my position into
perspective," said Solskjaer.
"My career meant nothing alongside someone's life. With the
right treatment and a positive attitude, anything can be achieved.
That is why I try to do what I can."