Ryan Giggs to ends his international career at the age of 33 after Saturday’s UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff.
Wales legend
The Manchester United FC winger is one of his country’s greatest-ever players yet he will end his career having never appeared at a major tournament. Indeed, Wales have not qualified for such an event since the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Giggs admitted the physical demands of playing so many games for club and country were the main reason behind his decision to bow out at the Millennium Stadium, where he will win his 64th cap.
‘Difficult decision’
“I feel this is the right time to retire but it’s a difficult decision. I have loved playing for, and captaining my country,” said Giggs. “It definitely helps myself, I’ll get those breaks in the season, and obviously it will help Manchester United because I’ll be playing less football. But it will also help Wales – I don’t feel I’ve been performing as well as I could have. Whether it was the amount of football I was playing, I don’t know, but I think all three parties will benefit.
Career prolonged
“Hopefully this will prolong my career, allowing me to be fresher and enjoy the last two or three years,” Giggs continued. “I’ve had such a successful time at club level but obviously that hasn’t been the case in my international career because we haven’t qualified. That is something I’ve always wanted because you want to play against the best players in the best tournaments.”
‘Exemplary’
Giggs has won the English championship nine times, more than any other player, recording 98 goals in 504 Premier League games for the Red Devils. His greatest moment for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team was arguably winning the English title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 1999. He made his Wales debut in 1991 against Germany, aged just 17. A Football Association of Wales statement said: “The FAW would like to place on record its gratitude for the 16 years’ service that Ryan has given to his country in 64 internationals. In that time he has upheld the highest principles of fair play during an exemplary career for Wales.”
As a fan, I hope Giggsy will continue enjoy his late stage career in Manchester United as long as possible, we still want to see the welsh wizard to terror the opponent defences!