It’s over for Giggs after 23 years

Ryan Giggs has retired from playing for Manchester United after being named assistant to new manager, Louis van Gaal.

Giggs had a club-record 963 appearances for United and played 64 times for Wales. He is the most decorated player in the English game, having won 13 league titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League titles, among a total of 34 trophies.

“Today is a new chapter filled with many emotions — immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement,” he said.

Giggs, who scored in every Premier League season except last, made his last appearance in the 3-1 win over Hull on May 6, 2014, when he replaced youngster Tom Lawrence for the last 20 minutes of the game.

“My dream was always to play for Manchester United,” he said.

“Although it saddens me to know I won’t be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson and, most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football.

“I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times.

“United fans, I hope, will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to return this great club to where it belongs. I hope to be there every step of the way.”