Man Utd cult hero Anderson retires from football aged just 31

MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Anderson has retired from football at the age of just 31.

The Brazilian has called time on a career that spanned 15 years with the highlight being his eight-year spell at Old Trafford.

He joined for £20million from Porto to become the club’s second Brazilian player after Kleberson.

Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, Anderson won the Premier League and Champions League in 2008 in his first season at United.

Against Chelsea in that final in Moscow, Anderson was brought on as a substitute in the final minute of extra-time to replace Wes Brown.

He netted the sixth-penalty as the shootout went to sudden death. Nicolas Anelka then missed for the Blues and United bagged the silverware.

He was also awarded the prestigious Golden Boy award given to the most promising youngster in world football.

Previous winners included Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Cesc Fabregas.

FITNESS ISSUES

He won another three Premier League titles and two League Cups with the Red Devils before leaving on a permanent deal to Internacional.

Anderson played 153 times for United in all competitions, scoring five goals.

He also represented his country, winning eight caps for Brazil.

But the Brazilian struggled with fitness in his latter years, and never fully realised his potential.

Yet he was remembered as a fans’ favourite – his over-the-top celebrations and efforts to put off opposition goalkeepers endearing himself to the home crowds.

He has ended his career at Turkish second division club Adana Demirspor, with the club announcing he will now be the external relations officer.

Speaking about the midfielder’s decision, Adana’s president Murat Sancak told Radyospor: “Anderson has decided to quit football, reduced his salary by 400,000 euros and will continue to work at the club.

“I think it is very useful in foreign affairs.”