Ryan Giggs has urged Manchester United not to retire the iconic number 11 shirt in his honour.
The 40-year-old announced his retirement from football at the end of last season after a 23-year career at Old Trafford where he claimed more than 30 major trophies.
Speaking on MUTV the Welshman, who made a record-breaking 963 appearances for the club, is opposed to the idea that his iconic number should be retired.
“No, there are obviously special cases but it just depends on the club really,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s [right] for United where they constantly churn over great players.”
In the past other clubs have made similar tributes to famous players or in memory of those who have passed away.
Manchester City retired the number 23 in 2003 in honour of Cameroonian Marc-Vivien Foé, who died while playing in an international match, and West Ham United have not used the number six shirt since the passing of Bobby Moore.
Elsewhere across the globe, AC Milan have retired the number three jersey in Paolo Maldini’s honour and will only reportedly reissue the number if one of the legendary defender’s sons plays for them.
But Giggs is looking forward to who will have the privilege to follow in his footsteps and take on the memorable figure.
“I haven’t thought about who will take over the number 11 shirt – that’s a good question,” he said.
“They’re under pressure, aren’t they?” he joked, before adding: “I look forward to seeing who takes it and wish them all the best.”
Giggs began his career wearing the number seven shirt but adopted the number 11 playing in the left wing role and said ‘it just really happened’.
Main image courtesy of ITV, via YouTube, with thanks.
