Sir Alex Ferguson has opened up about the tears he shed in 2013 after having a difficult conversation with his Manchester United staff and squad

Sir Alex Ferguson fled to his office and burst into tears in 2013 after telling his Manchester United players and staff about his decision to retire. The Scot had been United boss for almost three decades when he finally decided to call it a day.

The name Alex Ferguson will always be intrinsic to Manchester United. Old Trafford's largest stand is named after the 84-year-old, who, in his almost 27 years at United's helm, delivered them 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues and a double handful of other trophies.

In 2002, Ferguson was talked out of retiring by his family and he stayed in the role for another 11 years. That was until 2013, when, after the death of his late wife Cathy's sister, Bridget, he decided that it was time to step away.

In his new book, Games of My Life, in which Ferguson details the harrowing ordeal he went through in 2018 after suffering a brain haemorrhage, he reflected on his emotional announcement on May 8, 2013 and his final home game.

Ferguson wrote: "I had been careful to keep my decision to retire under wraps. I hadn't been contemplating retirement until October 2012, when Bridget, Cathy's sister, had died. On the surface, and for fans, I'm sure nothing had seemed wrong. I was in good health.

"I tried to keep myself fit. I felt as if I had plenty of energy even though, when my hip flared up, I sometimes thought I would never want to be seen on the track alongside the pitch with a walking stick. I was enjoying the club and the football, but Bridget's death changed everything.

"It was a hammer blow for Cathy because Bridget had been part of her life forever. They had the closest bond I have ever seen between siblings. Except for Cathy and our sons, nobody knew about my decision until David Gill [former United CEO] came to see me one Sunday afternoon in February and told me that he too had decided to retire.

"I managed to keep my emotions in check while I conveyed my news to the coaching staff, players and everyone else at Carrington. It wasn't until I got back to the office and shut the door that everything caught up with me.

"I just sat at my desk and cried. I knew then it was over. I'd not be taking this team to Wembley or to European games and I'd not be sending a team out to win a cup or a league. After I wiped my eyes, I thought I had better clear out quickly before the news was made public.

"Four days later, we were at Old Trafford, facing Swansea City. The quietest part of any game for a manager is when the players are on the field warming up. I was in the dressing room with Rod Thornley, the masseur, and we were sitting on the treatment table chatting.

"At the time, I couldn't help thinking, 'I'll never have this again.' I expressed as much to Rod and he replied with confidence, 'You'll never last. You'll be back next year. Don't worry about that.' I couldn't wait for the game to start, so I didn't lose myself in second thoughts or nostalgia."

Ferguson received a guard of honour before the game against Swansea and hoisted the club's 20th top-flight trophy aloft. United won 2-1. His final Premier League match was a thrilling 5-5 draw away at West Brom and the Scot details where he went immediately after his swansong.

"Shortly after the [West Brom] game, I went to France on holiday, to the hotel we'd stayed at for many years. When we checked in, the concierge confirmed that I wouldn't be needing special messages anymore," he continued in the book co-authored with Sir Michael Moritz, who collaborated on Ferguson's 2015 bestseller Leading.

"He was referring to the announcement of the Premier League fixture list, which typically arrives mid-June. Normally, I would be anxious to see it, desperate to know who our first game was against, the rhythm of the season and then the final run-in. But for the coming season it was no longer my responsibility and I could concentrate on enjoying my first free summer since I was a boy."

Games of My Life by Alex Ferguson publishes on 8th October by Macmillan.