Outgoing Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson described his time at Old Trafford as 'the most fantastic experience of my life.'
In an emotional speech following the full-time whistle of his side's 2-1 victory against Swansea City, Ferguson was given his special moment in front of the adoring fans.
He was then allowed the honour of lifting the Premier League trophy at the awards ceremony that followed.
He began by thanking the club, the staff and the players over the years for supporting him throughout the years.
'I have been very fortunate to be able to manage some of the greatest players int he country, let alone Manchester United,' said Ferguson.
'All of these players here today have represented the club the proper way, they won the championship in fantastic fashion, so well done to the players.
'My retirement doesn't mean the end of my life with the club, I will be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.'
Interestingly, Ferguson then pleaded with the supporters to back the incoming manager, Everton boss David Moyes.
'I'd like to remind you that when we had bad times here the club stood by me, all of my staff stood by me, you're job now is to stand by our new manager.
'I wish the players every success in the future, you know how good you are, you know the jersey you're wearing, you know what it means to everyone here, don't ever let yourselves down.
'I just want to say thank-you once again from all the Ferguson family, they're all up there, 11 grandchildren. Thank-you, thank-you.
Match-winner Rio Ferdinand added after the game: 'He deserved to have three points on his final home game.
'It's emotional, it's like his his second home. To hear him say it (retiring) we were devastated.'
And prolific striker Robin van Persie, who Ferguson signed ahead of this trophy-winning season from Arsenal, added: 'It was a really sad day, everyone is very thankful to him for all those years.
'It is a massive honour for me to have worked with him for one year, even though it was just one year, it had a massive impact.
'The way he is, the way he handles his players, the way he is himself, he is amazing.
'He is a great manager, maybe the best ever.'
Over to you: Captain Nemanja Vidic insists Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy
Winners: Ferguson shares the joy of being Premier League champions with his squad
Michael Carrick added: 'We wanted to win the match as we wanted to do it for the boss as well as everyone else.
'It was a special, special day.
'The response from everyone and the guard of honour and the atmosphere was electric, and something I will never forget.'
It was a fitting tribute to signal the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure as Manchester United boss as his side secured a 2-1 victory at home to Swansea City on an emotional day at Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand's goal three minutes from time handed Ferguson a dream victory for the champions.
In the history books: Ferguson's Premier League win sealed a glorious football management career
Javier Hernandez' drilled effort had put the champions ahead in the 38th minute, but one of the finds of the season Michu levelled things up three minutes into the second period.
Ferguson, in one of his final acts as Manchester United manager, also revealed what many have already been speculating - that Wayne Rooney HAS asked for a transfer
'There was only one way we can express ourselves in a proper way, and they all did that. They all played some good football,' he said of the game.
Then asked as to why Rooney wasn't in the squad for the game, he added: 'I don't think Wayne was keen to play, he has handed in a transfer request.
'He wasn't happy about being taken off a few times this season but a Wayne Rooney in top form wouldn't be taken off.'
Goodbye: Ferguson praised the club, the staff and the fans during the emotional speech
Happy ending: Ferguson shows his delight with Ferdinand's eventual winner, and right, the fans show their support
He went on to confirm that one of the big things he will miss is those 'last minute goals.'
Retirement beckons for the 71-year-old Manchester United manager, who has overseen a whopping 13 Premier League title successes as well as two Champions League victories.
On his way: Ferguson revealed that Wayne Rooney, pictured holding aloft the Premier League trophy, has asked for a transfer
Paul Scholes was chosen as anticipated after also announcing his retirement yesterday, but Rooney was not named by Sir Alex, who said on Wednesday that his 27-year reign is ending.
Sir Alex stated in today’s programme notes: 'I must pay tribute to my family. Their love and support has been essential.
'My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of stability and encouragement.
'I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication.
'Their backing and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular gave me the confidence and time to build a club rather than just a team.
'The Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability.
'And I have been fortunate to work with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill.'
The move by Sir Alex to leave out Rooney - who was sold to United from Everton by Moyes in 2004 - increased speculation that the striker could be on his way out of the club.
Great respect: Sir Alex emerges from a guard of honour before his last home match in charge of the club
Interested party: Sir Alex Ferguson's final home game as Manchester United boss was watched by his wife Cathy (right)
Impressive spectacle: Sir Alex applauds as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club
Support: Manchester United manager Sir Alex signs autographs after arriving on the pitch at Old Trafford
Emotional: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reacts after arriving on the pitch at Old Trafford
United insisted on Wednesday the England striker was not for sale, but a source said Rooney has held talks with Sir Alex in recent weeks and indicated he wanted to leave.
'I must pay tribute to my family. Their love and support has been essential'
Sir Alex Ferguson
Those discussions took place before Sir Alex announced he was retiring at the end of the season. The United legend stunned football when he announced he was stepping down.
Only last weekend, in his programme notes for the match against Chelsea, Sir Alex - who has won 38 trophies during his reign. including five FA Cups - insisted he wanted to carry on indefinitely.
Sir Alex, who previously managed Aberdeen, took over at United in 1986 after the sacking of Ron Atkinson. His first trophy was in 1990 as United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in an FA Cup final replay.
Appreciation: Manchester United manager Sir Alex shakes hands with supporters as he takes to the stands
Making his way: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes his seat in the dugout for the last time
Hotseat: Sir Alex takes his place before kick off in the Barclays Premier League match against Swansea City
