Alex Ferguson has revealed that loyalty to his wife, Cathy, was the key factor in his decision to retire from soccer management at the end of the current season.

The 71-year-old Scot enjoyed an emotion-charged farewell in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford on Sunday, his last home game after more than 26 years in charge of the new English champions.

The fixture came just four days after Ferguson's announcement that he is retiring stunned the soccer world and, after the celebrations that followed the victory, he took time to explain the reasons behind his decision for the first time.