Just moments after telling the Manchester United dressing room that he will step down as first-team coach following a spell as caretaker manager, Michael Carrick gave an incredibly classy post-match interview.
After 15 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford; a spell that included 464 appearances, five Premier League trophies and a Champions League win, the former midfielder will take a back seat as new manager Ralf Rangnick implements his coaching methods.
In an honest and, at times, emotional interview following the club's 3-2 win against Arsenal on Thursday night, Carrick opened up about his decision to leave United; and it was a humble way to bow out. You can watch his comments below.
Carrick told Amazon Prime after the full-time whistle: "It's not been an easy decision to make but I feel it's the right one.
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"I was going to take time off after I finished playing and it never happened. It feels like the right time to step away and what a way to finish.
"It's 100 percent my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf [Rangnick] and I'm quite happy with that.
"We were in a situation where there was a responsibility to see these games through. The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor but there were a lot of things that came into my decision.
"I've had great times, great memories and I'm proud of the players over the past three games. I just told [the players] and they were a bit shocked and surprised, a bit emotional in the changing room.
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"I held it together just about. It's not been easy to keep it away from people but I had a job to do."
Carrick went on to speak about his time at Manchester United. He played a total of 464 games for the club between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup, amongst other trophies.
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"My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career," he told Manchester United's official website.
"When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
"However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club.
"I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.
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"I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible. I would like to wish Ralf, the staff, the players and the fans all the best for the future and I look forward to being in the stands and supporting the boys as a fan."
Manchester United's football director John Murtough paid tribute to the former midfielder following his spell on the coaching staff at Old Trafford.
"Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach," he told the club's website.
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"While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael's decision.
"He will always be known as one of the finest midfielders in the history of Manchester United, and, more recently, as an excellent coach who has worked tirelessly under two managers to help develop the strong squad which Ralf will now take charge of
"We are grateful for the steady leadership Michael has shown through this period of managerial transition, and, while he is now stepping away from day-to-day involvement, he will always be welcome back as a legend of the club."
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Arsenal, Michael Carrick, Interview
