Manchester United stalwart Nicky Butt has informed Alex Ferguson of his desire to leave the club after failing to command a regular first-team place at Old Trafford this season.
The 28-year-old midfielder was one of the stars of England's 2002 World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea - even being hailed as the best player in the tournament by Pele.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Butt was also a key figure in United coming from eight points behind Arsenal to win last season's Premiership title. However, following an operation on that troublesome ankle in the summer, this campaign has seen him start only 11 of United's 31 competitive matches.
Ferguson told the Sun: "Nicky Butt has asked to leave, it is a very sad situation. Nicky has given Manchester United great service but he wants to play first-team football.
"With Phil Neville, and the emergence of Darren Fletcher and Kleberson, it has made it difficult for Nicky to get in the first team so he has asked to leave."
Butt was a part of United's Youth Cup-winning side in 1992 and made his first-team debut later that year.