Ferguson: retiring is not on the agenda

ALEX FERGUSON has revealed that retiring from football is not on his agenda.

And the 63-year-old Manchester United manager says he admires those who carry on working into their 80s.

He had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2001-2002 season but then changed his mind after talking things through with his family.

Ferguson's new one-year rolling contract begins in June when his current three-year deal expires.

"I am willing to stay on. We are building a new great team, " he said yesterday.

"We have some of the best talent in the world and some youngsters who will be sure bets in this game and also this business. Why would I retire?"

Ferguson has been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986 and even though Chelsea are in the ascendancy at the moment the Scot's record is second to none.

Under his stewardship have won the Champions League, European Cup Winners Cup, eight Premiership titles, five FA Cups and one League Cup.

Ferguson added: "Sometimes I ask: 'Do I still have energy?'. But then I look to my side and I see businessmen in their 80s, full of energy, clarity and strength who continue to work and I think: 'If they, at 82 can, why can't I at 63?"'

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was yesterday cleared by UEFA over claims that he was responsible for the retirement of referee Anders Frisk. Mourinho has been heavily criticised, with suggestions that his berating of Frisk's performance in Chelsea's Champions League tie at Barcelona sparked the threats which prompted the referee to quit the game.

However, UEFA have now confirmed that on that precise accusation Mourinho has no case to answer. UEFA director of communications William Gaillard said: "UEFA have never said that Mourinho caused Frisk to resign.

"This is a big logical jump. All we're saying is that some statements from managers and players are misconstrued by the public at large who are not mentally stable."

The behaviour of the former Porto boss remains under investigation, however, and his conduct in Barcelona will be considered by UEFA's control and disciplinary body on March 24.

Mourinho suggested that Frisk met with Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard in his dressing room at half-time in the first leg of Chelsea's last-16 tie at the Nou Camp.

Frisk chose to retire after his family's safety was called into question by the anonymous threats.

Chelsea are facing possible fines for failing to show for the Nou Camp post-match press conference and for sending their players out late for the second half of a game they lost 2-1, before turning the tie around at Stamford Bridge.

"It was never Mourinho's intention to whip up feeling against Frisk, but we would ask all managers to be careful and refrain from making these statements," said Gaillard.

"No-one at UEFA has linked Mourinho's comments with the resignation of Anders Frisk. This is not on the agenda for our next executive committee meeting, but I'm sure there will be a general discussion on how we can protect referees."

Rafael Benitez yesterday vowed to stay faithful to Liverpool and remain at the club for next season by which time he expects Harry Kewell to be making a big impact at Anfield.