Giggs unassuming about success

Star hailed as a role model for youngsters

Last updated: 18th September 2008

Ryan Giggs

Giggs: Model professional

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Ryan Giggs refuses to let success go to his head - despite being the most decorated player in British football history.

The long-serving winger is still going strong at the age of 34 and collected his 10th league winners' medal and second European Cup success last season.

But he is unassuming about his fantastic career and instead says he is "lucky" to be part of the success at Manchester United, with whom he turned professional in November 1990.

The former Wales international was making his comments at a star-studded premiere of a film about his life.

"I could never envisage first of all how long I'm going to play in the team, and then how successful it's been in that time," Giggs said.

"I have been fortunate to play in an era where it's been the most successful time in Manchester United's history so I have been lucky.

"I moved into Salford from the age of seven. I grew up in the Salford area, played for Salford Boys, and then to play for Manchester United is just unbelievable.

Don't think

"You can't describe it. You don't think it's going to happen."

Former United captain Bryan Robson believes Giggs is a role model for youngsters to look up to.

Robson said: "He's had a fantastic career. He's been a real legend and ambassador towards football.

"The way he handles the media, the way he goes about being a professional footballer, for any young kids he's an example to look to.

"In the early games this season I think he's looked really fit and sharp in his game and I think he'll have a big season for United again."

United chief executive David Gill also paid tribute to Giggs, who has surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances at United among personal accolades.

Testament

"I think clearly it's testament to someone who has had a fantastic career, loved it and I think that is what we try to have at Manchester United," Gill said.

"We have got many players, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, who have played many years for us, and it's fantastic.

"But in this day and age people tend to move on much more than they did previously. It's fantastic for Ryan and fantastic for the club.

"He's fit, and in this day and age where players look after themselves and all the support they get, they can play for many years and we hope that is the case for Ryan."