Former Man Utd and Barca boss Van Gaal announces retirement from football

The 65-year-old enjoyed a very successful career as a manager, carving out a career at top clubs in Spain, England, Germany and the Netherlands.

"Last year I said I was going to quit, but later I changed it and I said I would take a sabbatical," Van Gaal told Algemeen Dagblad after being handed a lifetime award by the Dutch government on Monday night.

"Now I believe I will not return any more. So many things have happened in my family recently, so that really was a wake up call and it put everything into perspective."

Van Gaal is referring to the loss of his son in law since he exited Man Utd in May, replaced by former understudy Jose Mourinho despite an FA Cup final victory.

After a relatively unremarkable playing career, Van Gaal became Ajax head coach in 1992 following six years on the sidelines in the Eredivisie.

He won league titles with Ajax in 1994, 1995 and 1996 and - even more impressively - triumphed in the Champions League during that period of phenomenal success.

Van Gaal left for Barcelona in 1997, where he won two Primera Division titles, one Copa del Rey crown, and the UEFA Super Cup.