Manchester United player/coach Ryan Giggs plans to play into his fifth decade as he turns 40 on Friday.
The Welshman, who has never traded his ‘Red Devil’ badge for any other, has featured 953 times for the Premier League champions since making his debut against Everton in 1991, going on to win13 Premier League titles, four FA and League Cups, two Champions League trophies, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
“I’m lucky that I have been at one club, where I am surrounded by good players and a good manager,” said Giggs.
“It can be hard sometimes but I am still enjoying it. As long as that is the case I will carry on.
“I still want to do well in every game, want to win trophies and my focus needs to be on that.”
Giggs will not play on forever but his relevance to the current squad can’t just be undermined, and hardly anyone would bet he is not going to carry on. His current one-year contract is due for the end of the season and could well be in line for a new deal which could see him reach the 1,000 appearances milestone.
“If I’d moved from club to club I’d be finished by now,” he noted.
“I look after myself and try to train everyday in order to make myself available for selection.
“I enjoy it as much as I can and, of course, try to contribute to the team.”
Former Manchester United defender Garry Pallister- the man who was honoured alongside Giggs, then the Young Player of the Year, at the 1992 PFA Awards, while praising the ex-Wales international for his commitment, joked: “It’s about time Giggsy retired- he’s keeping kids out of the game!”
Giggs added: “I don’t know what the younger lads think of me. When I was 17 and 18 I thought 31 was ancient. Here I am at 40.”
