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Ryan Giggs: Manchester United star signs new one-year deal

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Ryan Giggs's Premier League goals

Ryan Giggs has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United.

The 39-year-old winger's deal will tie him to the Old Trafford club until June 2014 and complete his 23rd season as a first-team player.

Former Wales skipper Giggs made his United debut on 2 March 1991 and has scored 168 goals in 931 appearances.

"I am feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most importantly, I feel I am making a contribution to the team," said Giggs.

"This is an exciting team to be part of, with great team spirit, and we are again pushing for trophies as we head towards the business end of the season."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ryan is an example to us all, the way in which he has, and continues to, look after himself.

"What can I say about Ryan that hasn't already been said? He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being.

"He has fantastic energy for the game and it is wonderful to see. Ryan seems to reach a new milestone every week, and to think that he now has 23 unbroken years of league goals behind him is truly amazing in the modern-day game. I don't think it will ever be achieved again by anyone.

"His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever and I am absolutely delighted that he has signed a new contract."

Ferguson amazed by Giggs's incredible career

The new deal means Giggs will play past his 40th birthday on 29 November.

Among his honours are 12 Premier League titles and four FA Cups as well as three League Cups and two Champions League titles.

He won 64 caps for Wales before quitting international football in 2007, and captained Great Britain at last summer's Olympics in London.

Including his Wales caps and his four for GB, Giggs could make his 1,000th senior appearance on Saturday against Norwich in the Premier League - or if he does not feature in that game, against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

His goal in United's 2-0 win over Everton on 10 February means he has scored in each of the last 23 seasons, including all 21 Premier League campaigns.

"He still has that wonderful youthfulness in the way he plays, he still has great balance and a change of pace," added the United boss. "He still has his fitness and still gets you a goal."

"I told him this morning I expect a bill from his mother for all the sandwiches and teas she used to make for us when we went to his house every week when we were trying to get him to sign schoolboy forms.

Ferguson also believes that Giggs will initially remain within the Red Devils fold when he does eventually decide to hang up his boots.

"The plan is for Ryan to stay on (at the club after he's finished playing)," said Ferguson. "Involvement after they've played here is important, whether that be as a coach or assistant manager or working with the youth team.

"If anyone has ambitions to be a manager you should take on different roles before you get there, almost as a preparation. He [Giggs] has got to take his badges and spend time with the young players in the academy and prepare eventually to be a manager."

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1189 comments

  • Comment posted by dan, at 10:21 1 Mar 2013

    Quite simply an utter legend.

    Sincerely,
    A Liverpool fan.

  • Comment posted by User0986797635, at 10:33 1 Mar 2013

    I reckon Giggs and Ferguson are havin a bet. Whoever retires first loses.But nice tosee that a player can play at the top level at that age. Respect to giggs from a Liverpool fan

  • Comment posted by timcsalmon, at 10:08 1 Mar 2013

    He is a legend - what else can anyone say.
    For those of you who wish to post negative comments have you ever tried being a top athlete for over 20 years with the daily dedication that is required to keep fit and in form to play at the top level of sport ?

  • Comment posted by D1692043190605, at 10:09 1 Mar 2013

    If only Georgie had had Ryan's self discipline.

  • Comment posted by Steveg, at 12:49 1 Mar 2013

    I'm a Liverpool fan, but if you cannot acknowledge Giggs's contribution to the Premiership then you have to be wearing blinkers. Will we ever see another player achieve the milestones he has, I seriously doubt it.

    For me, taking everything into consideration, probably the all time great of the premiership.

  • Comment posted by User0471646639, at 10:31 1 Mar 2013

    I'm a Gunner and to be honest - this man, despite ruining my FA Cup dream in the last ever semi final, deserves every bit of kudos he gets. There are extremely few players of exceptional talent and less that show such loyalty and 1 in undefinable odds that can go for as long as he has. I hate the guy for what he has done to my team over the years but respect is formed in such.

  • Comment posted by Nick T, at 16:16 1 Mar 2013

    What a player. Always better away from home. Women admire his tackle and his ability to keepy uppy. And such endurance.

    It will be a long time before we see another dynamic and thrusting player like Giggs.

  • Comment posted by User0535902450, at 13:20 1 Mar 2013

    He's got potential, this boy.

  • Comment posted by TwoWardrobes, at 12:48 1 Mar 2013

    A lot of people on this blog that are whiter than white. I feel privilaged to be sharing the same piece of cyberspace. Lords and gentlemen, every one of you.

    Still playing in the Premier League and knocking off fit girls at 40. Giggs is surely the best advert for yoga, ever!

  • Comment posted by User0358968925, at 13:25 1 Mar 2013

    Whether you're a Man United fan or not; Giggs is by far the best and most professional player to have ever graced the Premier League. The word "Legend" is often said too quickly but this guy really deserves to be called that.

    It shows incredible ability to still command a starting place at his age - he makes the difference so so many times for Man United.

    Sir, I salute you.

    Leeds fan.

  • Comment posted by AndriasParmour, at 10:01 1 Mar 2013

    Giggs; tearing you apart since 1991.

  • Comment posted by XajaKat, at 13:28 1 Mar 2013

    From an Arsenal fan - Giggs is a true legend of the game. I hope he goes on and on. A pleasure to watch.

  • Comment posted by User0426010405, at 16:32 1 Mar 2013

    Ryan Giggs deserves as much plaudits as Ferguson for the achievements at Man United. This guy is an absolute living playing legend. By the way I am a staunch Liverpool fan and I am not ashamed to make such comments about a true professional like Giggs. YNWA.

  • Comment posted by User0316730284, at 12:45 1 Mar 2013

    As a footballer Ryan Giggs is the most decorated British player of all time and has won more trophies than most football clubs. The fact that he has been an ever present in a team that has won 12 premier leagues and 2 European cups since he made his debut demonstrates the quality of his game....certainly glad to see him stick around for another season! A United legend.

  • Comment posted by jrp88, at 18:08 1 Mar 2013

    Giggs is an absolute machine! Glad he has signed an extra year, has continued to play well this year and still plays a huge part in the united squad. Not a United supporter but regardless of who you support you have to appreciate footballing class when you see it.

  • Comment posted by spursfan, at 21:27 1 Mar 2013

    People slagging of giggs dont know what they are talking about.
    He is the consumate professional at the twilight of his career playing for the biggest club in the UK bar none.
    Great news for utd fans that he has been offered another year, bad news for the rest of the premier.
    I wish him the best for the next season where he will again be playing for the premier league champions
    A Spurs fan.

  • Comment posted by Crerands Revenge, at 22:25 1 Mar 2013

    ASBOLUTE LEGEND. End of story.

  • Comment posted by Chels_or_else, at 23:08 1 Mar 2013

    This is how a club should reward their best players (no matter what age) well done Ryan Giggs, has to be said. Chelsea Fan

  • Comment posted by Kano, at 10:03 1 Mar 2013

    Human beings make mistakes, take a look in your closet before judging.

    Still a top class at almost 40 years old? That is absolutely exceptional.

  • Comment posted by redshirt7, at 12:45 1 Mar 2013

    316.Pafc ........20 years younger, 20 years less experience, 20 years to go before he reaches Giggs level. Giggs, 1 career, 1 club. 20 years loyalty...Bale has a long way to go..

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