Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his retirement after admitting defeat in his long-running battle with knee injuries.

The Norwegian, who moved to Old Trafford 11 years ago and scored the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, has decided to step down after continuing problems with a knee injury.

Solskjaer will remain at the club in a coaching capacity and will represent Manchester United as an official ambassador.

Solskjaer said: "I would like to thank the manager. The coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters, who have supported me through my career.

"They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured."

Solskjaer's last game was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on May 19th when he came on as an extra-time substitute at Wembley.

He has already spent time at United coaching young players as he looks forward to life after his playing career.

Solskjaer, dubbed the 'Baby-Faced Assassin', joined United from Molde for £1.5million in 1996 and has firmly established himself as a hero at Old Trafford.

He scored 11 goals as the Red Devils reclaimed their Premier League crown last season. The former Norway international has made 366 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson over the years, scoring 126 goals.

He was appointed a club ambassador last year — a role he is expected to continue and develop — and could well be given a long-term coaching position at the club he has served so loyally over the years.

The retirement of Solskjaer leaves Ferguson with only three strikers — Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez — the latter being the only one presently fully fit.