Ryan Giggs, who has today announced his retirement as a player, is the most decorated player in English football history.
For Manchester United, the club he joined in his young teens in 1987, he has 13 Premier League winners’ medals, four FA Cup winners’ medals, four Football League Cup winners’ medals and two UEFA Champions League winners’ medals.
He holds the club record for competitive appearances, scoring 168 goals in 963 matches.
He was capped 64 times for Wales, notching 12 goals, before retiring from the international scene in 2007. Among his awards he was voted PFA Player of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, both in 2009.
Giggs, who will now be United’s assistant manager, is the only player to have played in every Premier League season.
The winger who gave defenders ‘twisted blood’ has hung up his boots after an unrivalled career.
Giggs said: “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 Sir Alex Ferguson.”
FA Chairman Greg Dyke added: "On behalf of The FA, I would like to congratulate Ryan on his tremendous playing career.
“To be at the top of the English game for more than two decades was a fantastic achievement and I wish him well in his new career.
"Who can forget his FA Cup Semi-Final goal against Arsenal, while I was privileged to be there when he inspired United on their way to Champions League glory in 1999.
“He will be remembered as one of the all-time greats."
