As if we haven't said goodbye to enough football legends in recent times, it's emerged that John O'Shea is calling time on his career at the end of the season.
The Sunderland defender. 36, won 14 major honours in his time at Manchester United, where his still held in high regard. O'Shea wasn't fashionable, nor was he first-choice, but Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely loved him for his versatility, as did the Old Trafford faithful.
And the best example of that versatility came on 4 February 2007. No, it wasn't the date when he skinned Luis Figo by nutmegging the 2000 Ballon d'Or winner, nor is it the anniversary of the time he scored a delightful chip against Arsenal.
We're talking about the time the Irishman went in net for United against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and kept a clean sheet.
No.1 goalkeeper Edwin van Der Sar was forced off in the second half having broken his nose after being struck by Robbie Keane's knee and United had already made three substitutions; O'Shea being one of them.
Of course, this meant an outfield had to take the gloves. Rio Ferdinand, who later went in goal for United in an FA Cup tie against Portsmouth, initially stepped up to the plate but it was O'Shea who actually ended up going in goal and stopping Spurs from scoring in the 4-0 win.
His handling, awareness and overall goalkeeping ability was absolutely top-notch - his performance so good that he joked he deserved half of Van Der Sar's clean sheet bonus.
What a hero.
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