RYAN GIGGS HAS today retired from playing, bowing out as English football’s most-decorated player.
The veteran winger has confirmed he’s accepted an offer from new Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal to serve as assistant manager.
The former Welsh international won 13 Premier league titles and two European Cups.
“Today is a fantastic day for Manchester United,” a statement from Giggs reads.
“Louis van Gaal is a great appointment and let me begin by telling you how delighted I am to be working with someone of his calibre. His credentials are second to none and I’m positive the club will thrive under his leadership over the coming years.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as assistant manager of Manchester United. I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times.
“My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and although it saddens me to know I won’t be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt and appreciated your support.”
He continues: ”For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions – immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the future. United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way. To the greatest fans in world football, thank you, I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the biggest and best club in the world.”
More to follow
