Neville shuns testimonial pay-out
By Alan Nixon
Gary Neville has snubbed a £1million pay-out by refusing the offer of a testimonial later this year.
The Manchester United and England right back, currently out injured with a broken bone in his foot, qualifies for the benefit after a decade of service at Old Trafford.
However, Neville has taken a remarkable stance and is sure to earn all-round praise after refusing to follow in the footsteps of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as team-mates like Ryan Giggs.
The self-confessed United fanatic, who signed a new six-year deal last year, would have been guaranteed a sell-out Old Trafford match - and other money-spinning events - which would have saw the cash roll in.
But Neville - a key figure in the United dressing-room backing the PFA during last season's fight for TV cash - is keen not to cash in on the club's supporters.
Neville, speaking to the Manchester United Magazine, said: 'Even though I know I am eligible, I will not be having one.' The 27-year-old defender's decision comes on the back of Niall Quinn's recent testimonial at Sunderland, where he donated his entire £1m windfall to help build two children's hospitals.
And Leeds' Gary Kelly made a similar gesture, with the £500,000 he made from his benefit match going to cancer charities. Players are often accused of greed by fans who believe that testimonials are an unnecessary extra payday for Premiership stars already earning not-so-small fortunes from their careers.
Neville's decision to go against the trend will also put some of his team-mates under scrutiny, with a host of United stars - including David Beckham and Roy Keane - owed a testimonial during the next 12 months.
Neville says he is optimistic of returning to action before the end of next month
By Alan Nixon
Gary Neville has snubbed a £1million pay-out by refusing the offer of a testimonial later this year.
The Manchester United and England right back, currently out injured with a broken bone in his foot, qualifies for the benefit after a decade of service at Old Trafford.
However, Neville has taken a remarkable stance and is sure to earn all-round praise after refusing to follow in the footsteps of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as team-mates like Ryan Giggs.
The self-confessed United fanatic, who signed a new six-year deal last year, would have been guaranteed a sell-out Old Trafford match - and other money-spinning events - which would have saw the cash roll in.
But Neville - a key figure in the United dressing-room backing the PFA during last season's fight for TV cash - is keen not to cash in on the club's supporters.
Neville, speaking to the Manchester United Magazine, said: 'Even though I know I am eligible, I will not be having one.' The 27-year-old defender's decision comes on the back of Niall Quinn's recent testimonial at Sunderland, where he donated his entire £1m windfall to help build two children's hospitals.
And Leeds' Gary Kelly made a similar gesture, with the £500,000 he made from his benefit match going to cancer charities. Players are often accused of greed by fans who believe that testimonials are an unnecessary extra payday for Premiership stars already earning not-so-small fortunes from their careers.
Neville's decision to go against the trend will also put some of his team-mates under scrutiny, with a host of United stars - including David Beckham and Roy Keane - owed a testimonial during the next 12 months.
Neville says he is optimistic of returning to action before the end of next month
