By IANS
London : Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, plagued by a series of knee injuries, announced his retirement from football Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Norwegian, who scored the winner in the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999, made several comebacks during the past four years.
The former Norway international joined United from Norwegian club Molde for 1.5 million pounds in 1996 and has made 366 appearances for United, scoring 126 goals.
Known as the ‘baby-faced assassin’, Solskjaer scored 11 goals as the side reclaimed the English Premier League title last season.
His last game for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute at the Wembley Stadium.
He has already spent time at United coaching young players and was appointed a club ambassador last year.
Solskjaer’s retirement leaves Ferguson with only three strikers – Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez – the last being the only one fully fit right now.
The Norwegian returned to fitness last season and was hopeful of playing a meaningful role this time round as well, despite undergoing minor knee surgery in June.
But he had problems during rehabilitation and recently admitted he expected this to be his last season.