Alex Ferguson tells street papers "I never pass a vendor on the street"

Alex Ferguson in Macedonian street paper Lice v lice.

The Big Issue's exclusive interview with Alex Ferguson has been a hit with street papers in Europe, Asia and the USA.

For more than a quarter of a century, Ferguson’s combustible presence and unique success made him the iconic face of English football.

The legendary manager opened up to The Big Issue's David McDonnell about his life post-Manchester United, revealing he is relishing retirement and the challenges beyond football management.

It turns out he’s also a big street paper fan: “I never pass a Big Issue vendor on the street, because these people aren’t begging - they’re trying to get back on their feet,” he revealed.

Alex Ferguson interview republished in Shedia, Greece.

"Sometimes, if they've only got one or two copies left, I just give them a tenner and say hello to them because they'll want to sell their last copies and get some more cash but I do like to read the articles.

"What is it they say ... 'A hand up, not a hand out?' Excellent!"

After being featured on INSP's News Service, the article was republished by Greek street paper Shedia, Ireland's Big Issue, Macedonian street paper Lice v lice, The Contributor, based in Nashville, USA, The Big Issue Japan, Hus Forbi in Denmark and German papers Die Strasse and Strassenfeger.

The article is still available for INSP street paper members to download and publish from the News Service here.

Alex Ferguson article republished by The Contributor in Nashville.

Ireland's Big Issue runs with The Big Issue's Alex Ferguson interview.