Ryan Giggs is undeniably one of the greatest footballers ever. Ever since he made his debut at a tender age of 17 for Manchester United in 1991, he was able to keep his place for so many years. Though at the age of 37,he does not feature consistently as he used to, he still continues to play very well. The mere fact that he is still able to play for the first team is testament to his resilience, sense of focus, good physical fitness and brilliant flair. He is a great passer of the ball, deliverer of spectacular crosses and a good dribbler. He is also a selfless player, who cares only about the good of the team.
He has been decorated with numerous medals including a dozen league medals, FA Cup medals and UEFA Champions medals. He is one of the most decorated footballers ever. In 2009 he was voted the PFA player of the year. The European Player of the Year and World Player of the Year are missing on his medal list. In his twilight it is impossible for him to get these two medals. His inability to add these medals to the many others has not and will not dint his image. The true followers of the beautiful game will undoubtedly still rank him among the greatest and a place in history will be reserved for Ryan Giggs as one of football's greatest. At his age most of his mates have accepted their fate and bowed out due to of lack of physical strength to carry on. He exhibits tremendous physical strength in being able to play top flight football. This ranks him among great footballers like Maldini and Stanley Mathews who defied the average retirement age.
Human beings desire change and as a result it takes dedication and love to stay at one club for decades irrespective of how successful the club is. If he retires at Manchester United, he will be one of the few players to have spent their entire professional career at one club. Remaining at Old Trafford shows a deep sense of dedication to the Manchester course. He is a true Manchester United patriot who deserved being voted Manchester United's Greatest Player ever in 2011.
In 2007 he was knighted by the Queen, a crowning moment for a great and spectacular player who has contributed immensely to the beautiful game. With his level of fitness, it is obvious that he can continue playing for a couple more years. When he finally closes the chapter on his playing career, he will certainly have earned the right to learn coaching techniques from the legend Sir Alex Ferguson, if he chooses to do so. Ryan Giggs will indeed be remembered in history as one of the greatest footballers ever. He is one of the most spectacular wingers of all time and a great to delight to watch and certainly one of the few players who have certainly made the name of the game to remain the beautiful game.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid - £10,200,000), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United - £500,000), Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Plymouth Argyle - £200,000), Quinton Fortune (Bolton Wanderers - Free), Eddie Johnson (Bradford City - Free), Phil Picken (Chesterfield - Free), Tommy Lee (Macclesfield Town - Free), Tim Howard (Everton - Loan).
