MARK Hughes has retired from playing with some great Red memories - and promised that football has not seen the last of him yet.
Sparky, who became a Reds legend during his two spells at Old Trafford, announced yesterday that he has hung up his boots for good.
Hughes became part-time boss of the Welsh national side three years ago but he will now sit down with Welsh FA bosses to talk over a deal which would make him full-time boss of the national side with the aim of qualifying for Euro 2004.
"I'll be talking with the FAW during the next few days and I hope we can iron everything out," said the 38-year-old, who completed his domestic medal haul by winning the Worthington Cup with Blackburn last season.
"I'm ready for a new stage in my life and I am very excited about the potential of the Welsh squad.
"I know we've improved since I've been in charge.
"I have other options open to play on, but the top and bottom of it all is that if the FAW and myself agree, I'm looking for a full-time role as Wales's international manager."
Hughes, who had a knack of scoring spectacular goals, had two spells at Old Trafford winning Premiership titles, FA Cup winners' medals and scoring twice to beat his former side Barcelona in the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup.
He also played for Chelsea, Everton and Southampton before moving to Blackburn, who released him from Ewood Park at the end of last season.
Yet calling a halt to his playing days is just the beginning, according to Hughes.
He said: "If I do join Wales as the full-time manager I won't be looking upon it as a sad time in football for me.
"Looking back I've been very lucky in the game.
"I've got great memories."
Sir Alex Ferguson once described Hughes as "a warrior you could trust with your life."
And the Manchester United boss showed his faith in the powerful frontman by bringing him back from Spain in 1988 after two disappointing seasons with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.