Ryan Giggs: A humble tribute

Ryan Giggs, Manchester United‘s favourite son needs no introduction.The most decorated player in British Football, the marauder of the left flank, the man who left defenders with twisted blood. There was a time when people used to say “you cannot see his feet when he runs”.

To play at the highest level for so many years and still have the same hunger as he had back in 1991 is simply amazing. The major honours won by him with Manchester United(not including his personal achievements) are:13 Premier League titles, 4 FA cups, 3 League Cups, 2 Champions league, 1 Club World Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cup.

Giggs started his youth career with the blue half of Manchester but he was always destined for the red half. Fergie spotted him and handed him his first professional contract, the rest as we all know is history. That was the beginning of a new era, an era which witnessed the rise of one of the most phenomenal talents in football. He broke into the first team at the age of 17 and made the left flank his own.

His goal in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park where he ran through the entire Gunners’ defences is one of the best goals of all time.

With Scholes and Sir Alex retiring at the end of the 2012-13 season, he is the only player left from the famed class of ’92 and will play under a new manager for the first time in his career. After having played the entire length of his career on the left flank,he has also excelled in central midfield where Fergie deployed him in recent seasons.

Michael Owen tweeted:“How on earth can you be the best winger for years then evolve your game to become the best central midfielder around? Giggs defies logic.”

His longevity is just amazing and leaves everyone spell-bound. Even at 40, his desire to play and score remains unparalleled(He is the only player to have scored in every season of the Premier League he’s played in). He also holds the record for the maximum competitive appearances for Manchester United and for most assists in the premier league.

As the Old Trafford faithful sing in his praise:“Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the wing,Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the wing -Feared by the blues, Love by the reds…Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs…”

I just wish the Legend never retired and kept on playing, mesmerizing fans to sing to his chants.