Ryan Giggs announces retirement from professional football; writes an open letter to the fans

Manchester United's Interim manager Ryan Giggs.

Ryan Giggs announces his retirement from professional football to become the assistant manager to newly appointed manager Louis van Gaal.

The winger made his debut for Manchester United in March 1991 at the age of 17 and finished his career with a substitute appearance against Hull City when he was also the interim manager of Manchester United. Giggs represented Manchester United 963 times, and also earned 63 caps for Wales.

An incredible career saw Giggs winning 34 trophies in a 23 years, and was consistently one of the best players in the world. He played pre-dominantly in centre midfield during the later years of his career, and his presence brought a lot of calm and composure to the team.

The announcement was made that Giggs would be the number 2 to Louis van Gaal was made earlier today following which Giggs wrote an open letter to the Manchester United fans where he said, “ I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as assistant manager of Manchester United. I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times”.

In response to van Gaal’s appointment, he said, “Today is a fantastic day for Manchester United. Louis van Gaal is a great appointment and let me begin by telling you how delighted I am to be working with someone of his calibre.”

BREAKING: Ryan Giggs retires from playing. Read the new no.2's open letter to #mufc fans: http://t.co/IMtn2vdt52 pic.twitter.com/Io0mmPISBw

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 19, 2014