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Rio hails Giggs' impact

Image: Giggs: Celebrates Derby goal

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs remains an underrated commodity.

But he wants even more praise for United team-mate

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs remains an underrated commodity, despite the fact he is one of the most celebrated players of his generation. The evergreen Welshman added the milestone of 100 league goals to his 736 appearances with a tap in against Derby on Saturday. Giggs has been playing at Old Trafford for an incredible 16 seasons and in that time has added nine Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League to the most impressive of trophy cabinets. But while Giggs has long-since established himself as a United legend, Ferdinand feels he deserves greater recognition.

Phenomenal talent

"Some people don't get 100 appearances let alone 100 goals," said Ferdinand. "It is phenomenal and no surprise for a player of his calibre. "I just don't think Ryan really gets the credit he deserves for what he has achieved in the game, not only in terms of winning medals but the quality of his play on the left wing year in, year out. "It is a shame we don't really appreciate a footballer who has been the most successful of our generation. "It seems he is respected a lot more abroad than he is here, where he rarely gets mentioned. Maybe he will be appreciated more when he retires."