Ryan Giggs feared he might not be presented with a second opportunity to play in a European showpiece.
United winger feared second final had passed him by
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs is ready to give his all in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea after admitting he feared he might not be presented with a second opportunity to play in a European showpiece.
Giggs, 34, was part of United's treble-winning side of 1999 as The Red Devils famously recorded a dramatic triumph over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou to lift the European Cup.
But with the former Wales international entering the latter stage of his career, Giggs has conceded he thought his chance of appearing in a second Champions League final had passed him by.
Last chance
"I think when you are 26 you think you are going to be involved in finals again but at 34 you maybe think the chance is slipping away so I'm pleased to get that chance again," Giggs said.
"Certainly I think you appreciate it a lot more - you don't play when you're 25 or 26 thinking it will be your last time but at 33 or 34 you know it will be a last chance.
"You always have that belief that we would get there again and show that winning mentality but overall I'm just happy to be playing in the final.
"I think I will be able to enjoy the experience but of course winning is the important thing.
"I will have many years to reflect on my career when I finish but you have certain things you want to achieve and winning the Champions League again is one of them."
Tight game
On how the encounter might unfold, Giggs added: "I expect the final to be a tight game - because it always is against Chelsea. They get men behind the ball and are good on the counter attack.
"Chelsea are a little bit more Continental in their style of play so maybe if we score first the emphasis might be on them to attack more."
