Ole Gunnar's Testimonial...

No words can describe what I feel when I saw Ole Gunnar waved goodbye to the fans. It gave me goosebumps, it brought tears to my eyes, yet at the same time there was a great proud feeling to have a great loyal player such as is to play in my shirt for such a long time.

You can feel that there was so much respect in the air. From his peers, the fans, Alex Ferguson and even from the opposition, genuine respect and most probably love as well.

Old Trafford, again, has to let go one of its proudest sons, but in Ole Gunnar's case it's just out of the playing pitch, since he has became the youth team squad in the striking department. It is in my best wish he will do well, and I'm sure he will do more than just making them a lethal striker, but also teach the youngsters what's the word "Loyalty, Respect and Profesionalism" is all about.

"Loyalty" means you have to stick with your club and your peers no matter what. Ole Gunnar never got involved in a physical tussle on the pitch with any opposing players, even with our fiercest rivals such as Arsenal and Liverpool. But that doesn't necessarilly means that Ole is one coward pussy that won't jump in into a fight for his team-mates (oh believe me, he would give his right leg for United if he has too...). But, Ole always involved himself in a classy, respectable manne. He went in there as the peacemaker, trying to get into anyone's head and telling them "We don't need this sh*t, let's just play football dammit...".

And if ever there were a case a United player should demand a transfer, it was Ole Gunnar who deserves to have such request. He could've scored more goals in his career, due to the fact that he would've been a starter in any other clubs. But when the opportunity arrised in 1999 when Tottenham's bid was accepted by the club, did Ole Gunnar go ? No, he didn't even have to think twice and at the end of the season he made that legendary winning goal at the ECL Final at Camp Nou.

Even after that, Ole didn't let it go over his head. He was still the humble player on the bench, analyzing the matches and ready to get it done when the manager calls upon him. That's "Respect and Professionalism". Ole respected the role that has been given to him as a "Super Sub", he also respected the manager's decision, and when he should be on to the pitch, even under one minute remaining, he'll go there and give his 100% for his peers, the club and most of all the fans.

Ole's dedication should be an inspiration for any young players these days. Let them know that there is something more in football other than "money, championships, advertiser endorsements, fancy nifty tricks, etc". There are greater values of real life in the beautiful game and that's what Ole has been showing and practicing day by day at Old Trafford, and I'm trully privileged to have seen that.

In the testimonial, Manchester United beat Espanyol 1-0 in front 68,868 Red Devils who came to pay their respect and appreciation to Ole. Fraizer Campbell got the goal for the European champions against the mid-table Spanish side.

Ole finally came on for in the final 22 minutes of his testimonial, and eventough he retired one year ago, he still looked as the best forward on the field. Ole had his first chance after a selfless assist by his old team mate Ryan Giggs, Ole's strong shot flew just wide of the left-hand post and, seconds later, Espanyol goalkeeper Alvarez Cristian required two attempts to keep out another shot from the man of the moment.

Finally, nine minutes from time, a pass from Giggs gave the electrifyingly quick Campbell the edge to get ahead of his markers and slot a clinical finish past Cristian.

Again, thank you 20LEGEND, you will always be in our hearts....

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