Shinji Kagawa has said that Sir Alex Ferguson is in "a class of his own" as the Scot prepares to take charge of Manchester United for the final time.
The manager is retiring after more than 26 years at the helm at Old Trafford.
The Japan international told the club's official website: "He has a magnetic power. I felt it the first time I met him, from the way he conducts himself and also from working with him on the pitch.
"I wish I could have played much longer under him. What he has achieved for the club is tremendous, he is in a class of his own. He is a friendly person and his spirit is much younger than his age.
"He communicates well with his players and respects them. As the season went on, I got to communicate with him more, both on football and other subjects. That was important."
Kagawa joined United from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
