Manchester, Mar 1: Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract
extension to stay at Manchester United until the summer of 2014.
The deal will take Giggs, 39, into his 23rd season as a first-team
player at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson said that Giggs will be
offered a coaching role after his playing career ends and that no other
footballer will emulate his success.
Giggs made his United debut in March 1991 and is on course to make his
100th senior appearance against Norwich City on Saturday. The veteran
midfielder said he is 'delighted' to have extended his stay at the club.
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I would like to thank Sir
Alex and the coaching staff and I would also like to thank David Gill
who has been a tremendous support over my many years here," Giggs told
the club's official website.
"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."
"I am feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most
importantly, I feel I am making a contribution to the team," he said.
Giggs has struck in all 23 seasons in the top flight for United. The
Welshman has won 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League
Cups, two UEFA Champions Leagues, one Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup
and a Club World Club.
Ferguson hailed Giggs' recent form in the league and said the midfielder
deserves the contract extension.
"He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being. Ryan is an
example to us all, the way in which he has, and continues to, look after
himself," Ferguson said.
"He could be playing his 1,000th game tomorrow and I don't think that
will ever be achieved again, the way players contracts seem to work
these days."
"He deserves this contract as his form has never changed. He still has
great balance and touch on the ball and great fitness," he said.
United host Norwich City on Saturday before playing Real Madrid in the
last-16 second-leg match at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
