I think most football supporters recognised the talent he has and as you say Charlie he's certainly been a good ambassador for football and sport in general.
Not a football fan, but I think he's seen the writing on the wall and like ex racing driver Jackie Stewart has decided to pull out before people begin to tire of him and Victoria, who never smiles. About the right time to pull out, rather than be remembered as a has-been like Best or Gascoigne.
