Ryan Giggs will take up a coaching role at Manchester United when he does finally hang up his boots, it was announced today.
Following the news the 39-year-old Welshman had signed a new one-year playing contract, Sir Alex Ferguson told reporters this morning that Giggs will also stay at the club after his playing days.
Giggs could make his 1000th senior appearance (including games for Manchester United, Wales and Great Britain) against Norwich tomorrow – 22 years to the day after his debut in 1991.
“He’ll be involved [against Norwich] and he’ll be involved on Tuesday [against Real Madrid] so somewhere along the line he’s going to play his 1000th game this week, which is phenomenal.
“It’s unique in the modern game, but I think it’s more than that – I don’t think it will ever be achieved again by anyone given the way that players’ contracts are played out nowadays.”
Giggs had little time to contemplate another season in the Barclays Premier League before Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he expects him, and fellow midfielder, Paul Scholes to take up coaching roles upon retirement.
“That will happen, that’s the plan,” he said.
“We’ve done the same with Nicky Butt with the reserves and when Paul Scholes finishes it will be exactly the same with him.
“We’re good at that – we’ve got several former players installed in the club in different capacities.
“Mike Phelan, Brian McClair, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness… I think it’s important we have people here who have the experience of being a player here.”
Ryan Giggs, who has been at the club for more than 25 years, is the most decorated footballer in the country.
The news caps an eventful week for the former Wales captain who will now have his mind on the match this weekend.
Picture courtesy of Sky Sports, via YouTube, with thanks.
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