Keeper Van der Sar signs off on a low note

Edwin van der Sar admitted Barcelona had ruined his final fling as the Manchester United goalkeeper’s last match before retirement ended in a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League final.

Van der Sar announced earlier this season that he would hang up his gloves at the end of the campaign and he was forced to bow out on a low note as Barcelona tore United to shreds at Wembley.

The 40-year-old Dutchman’s last career memory will be a bitter one as he was beaten three times by fine finishes from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa.

“I played one game too many I think, it is not nice to lose of course. They had the better chances and we made one or two mistakes and they punish you,” Van der Sar said.

“It was disappointing but that’s life. It would have been better to go out on a win. I’m all right, not emotional. This is the right time for me and I’m ok with it.”

Van der Sar felt Messi’s goal nine minutes into the second half was the turning point as it left United chasing the game against superior opponents.

“It took 20 minutes for them to get in game and then after our equaliser and going in level at half-time you hope the result is still open, but we didn’t start well and we conceded another goal,” Van der Sar said.

“It turned in their favour. You can stop them, they have lost this season, but they have excellent players and it didn’t happen for us.”