Giggs drops retirement hint

United legend prepared to call it a day if no new terms are offered

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 6th January 2009

Giggs drops retirement hint

Giggs: Old Trafford legend

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Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs admits his glittering career could come to an end in May.

The Red Devils midfielder is set to see his current contract at Old Trafford reach its conclusion at the climax of the 2008/09 campaign.

With no new terms on the table the Welshman admits that, after 19 years of loyal service to the reigning Premier League champions, he may be forced to hang up his boots.

"I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me," Giggs told The Sun.

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring.

"It could be at the end of this season. Or it could be the next one. I am at the end of my contract in May, so we will see. At the minute, there hasn't been any contact with United.

"I am as fit as I have ever been. The only difference is recovering from games.

"Two days after a game, I am still tired. Before, I could play Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday no problem.

"Today, I would be a lot less efficient at doing things. Nowadays, I only play once a week, it's very good that way."

Confident

Giggs has won every possible trophy during his time at United, with 10 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns representing the pinnacle of his achievements.

He admits that he would slip into retirement as a contented man, should he be forced to do so, with age having mellowed him and allowed him to appreciate how fortunate he has been.

"Today, victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger, because I know that they could be the last ones.

"The Champions League win last season made me a lot happier than in 1999, for instance.

"I am lot more confident than I was before. My relation to stress has changed over the years.

"When I was first in the first team, at 17 or 18, I felt no pressure at all. Nothing. It lasted for three to four years.

"Then things changed, injuries happened, I had poor games, and suddenly I started feeling the pressure. It weighed on my game.

"But since I turned 30, I don't think about anything any more, there's no pressure."