Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Giggs hints at Man Utd retirement

Manchester United great Ryan Giggs has hinted that he could retire from football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old former Wales captain's current deal with the European and Premier League champions expires at the end of the season.


United winger Giggs told The Sun: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me.


"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring. It could be at the end of this season."


Giggs is British football's most decorated player and his 28 winners medals include two Champions League victories, a record 10 Premier League championships and four FA Cup wins.


The 64-times Wales international, who broke Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record when appearing as a substitute in the Champions League final in May, has played 781 times for the Old Trafford club.


I am at the end of my contract in May," said Giggs. "So we will see. At the minute there hasn't been any contact with United.


"I am as fit as I ever have been. The only difference is recovering from the game."


Giggs scored the crucial first goal in United's title-clinching win at Wigan last season before converting the decisive penalty in their Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow.


He was then part of the United squad that won the World Club Cup last month.


"Today, victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger," he said. "Because I know that they could be my last."


Giggs is the only United player to have played in all 10 title-winning teams, the only player to have scored in 12 consecutive Champions League tournaments and the only player to have scored in every Premier League campaign since its inception.


He said United had not started contract extension talks but his agent Harry Swales told BBC Sport: "Ryan says he can still play on for a few more years.


"We haven't spoken to United yet but I'm sure it will happen in due course."


Resource: BBC SPORT

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