Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect. Neville, who is 36 later this month, has barely played for the past two seasons due to a succession of injuries. "I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," Neville told the club's website. "Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now. "I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to have been part of the team's achievements and the club's great success. "There are so many people I want to thank and, of course, top of that list is Sir Alex (Ferguson, pictured left). He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years - he is truly one of the greatest managers - and I have to thank him for that." The full-back had not played since the New Year's Day victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns, when he was fortunate not to be dismissed for a professional foul on Graham Dorrans. It was his 602nd appearance for the Red Devils. He also won 85 England caps. Neville played in United's FA Youth Cup-winning side in 1992 alongside David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Keith Gillespie, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes and made first-team debut in the UEFA Cup against Torpedo Moscow later that same year. He becomes the second member of United's famed `Class of 92' to call it a day following Butt's retirement from the game last season. Neville's career has been blighted by injury over the last few years and it was obvious to anyone who was at the West Brom game, or the visit to Stoke in October when the full-back was equally fortunate to escape a red card, that his time at the top level was almost over. PA Sport / Eurosport