Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez and West Brom manager Steve Clarke paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson after the irrepressible Scot said goodbye to the game with an incredible 5-5 draw at the Hawthorns in the final day of the English Premier League.
"The impact Sir Alex has had on me is massive," Hernandez told the club's official website. "He gave me this big chance to play at the biggest club in the world. He has taught me a lot and I only have thankful words for him.
"It (Ferguson's retirement) is not only a loss for the British fans but he has changed football across the world. He has been here for 26 years and made the impossible dream come true."
The West Brom game was also the final one for another United legend - Paul Scholes - and Hernandez waxed lyrical on the midfielder.
"What can I say about Paul Scholes? All the players say the same thing about him -- he's an incredible player and teammate, and the class and talent he has is unbelievable," Hernandez added.
Clarke will forever be remembered as the last manager that Ferguson faced, and the West Brom coach was happy to be involved in such a monumental game.
"He (Ferguson) said it was a great game," Clarke, who shared the customary glass of red wine with Ferguson after the match, said. "He complemented us on the way we played.
"I think for Sir Alex it's a great occasion and great finale. He'll remember that game. I think anybody who was here in the stadium will remember that game for years to come. I think that's a good tribute.
"He told me after that it's the first time any team he's been involved with has thrown away a three-goal lead -- and they did it twice in the game. That's something for us to savor.
"Sir Alex is what he is. He's a great guy, who always speaks well.
"He was quite complimentary about our season as a club, which was nice of him, and I wished him all the best on his retirement.
"He's gone out as a champion and he deserves his retirement."
