Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to club chief executive David Gill, who it was announced will be standing down from the position this summer.
United confirmed in a statement released on their official website on Wednesday morning that Gill is to leave his post on June 30, with his duties being taken on by executive vice chairman Ed Woodward. Gill, who joined the Red Devils as their finance director in February 1997 and assumed the role of chief executive in September 2003, is to remain as a club director.
As part of United's statement, Ferguson said: "David has been a magnificent chief executive. Of course, we have had a million arguments, but I have always enjoyed them because I know that David has two great qualities: he is straight and he always puts Manchester United first."
He added: "No disagreement is ever personal with him. He always wants the best for United, whether it's the players, the training ground or the staff.
"Him stepping down is a big loss to me but the fact that he is staying on the board encourages me that the reason for his departure is heartfelt, (and) that he believes it is time for the club to move on.
"If I could have found a way of persuading him to stay I would love to have done that. But he has made his decision and I respect him for it."
Speaking about his decision, Gill stressed his belief that "all businesses need to refresh themselves with new management and ideas".
The 55-year-old - who was appointed as the vice chairman of the Football Association last October and is their nominee for the UEFA Executive Committee elections in May - said: "It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United for 16 wonderful years - the last 10 of which as its chief executive.
"I have worked alongside the finest manager in the history of the game and been part of what I consider to be the best club in the best sport in the world.
"It has been a very hard decision because I love this club and, as the fans' banner says, it is 'more than a religion'. However, I have always been conscious of the fact that, as a member of staff, I was always just a temporary custodian of this marvellous institution."
