Gary Neville opens up on being ‘binned’ by his fiancée of six years – a team-mate’s sister – after Man United won the Treble in 1999… and reveals how it led to a dip in his performances
Gary Neville has opened up about a challenging period he faced after Manchester United achieved the Treble in 1999, disclosing how the end of his engagement at the time profoundly impacted him.
Having progressed through the ranks of the Manchester United academy, the 48-year-old amassed 603 appearances for the club, contributing five goals in the Premier League and two in the Champions League during his tenure at Old Trafford.
His illustrious career with the club saw him secure two European Cups and clinch 12 Premier League titles, notably playing a pivotal role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad that achieved a historic Treble in 1999.
However, Neville revealed that following the extraordinary triumph of winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League in that season, he experienced a downturn.
Speaking on The Daily Ketchup Podcast, Neville reflected, “When I was 24 and I had that time after the Treble where I dipped, because it was such a high, the Treble was unbelievable.”
He described the Treble achievement as the culmination of a 15-year journey since Ferguson’s arrival and the establishment of a team centered on youth and academy players.
Acknowledging the unique nature of that season, Neville stated, “We knew that it was the best it could ever be.”
When questioned about the nature of the dip, whether it was mental or a decline in performance, Neville cited two factors.
Firstly, he had suffered an injury and struggled to regain form upon his return. Secondly, he went through a breakup with his fiancée at that time.
“I’d been seeing someone for about four, five, six years, and that relationship broke up at the same time and it threw me completely.”
Opening up about the breakup, Neville shared, “Like I was engaged to her, and it was my first sort of girlfriend for six years, and you think you’re going to be with them forever, and all of a sudden, it’s over, and you think that wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Neville elaborated on the circumstances, revealing that his fiancée went on a six-month placement in France and Germany.
During her time in France, she developed a close connection with someone on the course and ended the relationship upon her return.
Despite the emotional upheaval, Neville acknowledged that, in hindsight, the separation was for the best.
He disclosed that the girl in question was the sister of one of his good friends, specifically Ben Thornley from the Class of ’92.
Following this challenging period, Neville continued to contribute to Manchester United’s success, securing two more Premier League titles in the subsequent seasons.
Although he missed most of the 2007-08 season due to an ankle injury, United went on to win the Champions League.
Neville concluded his playing career in 2011, earning 85 international caps with England and notably contributing to England’s semi-final run in Euro 1996 and the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.
