Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year extension to keep him at Manchester United until the end of the 2009 Season. Old Trafford will see its most loyal servant in action for another two seasons, making it almost a certainty that he will surpass Bobby Charlton’s club record of 759 appearances.
Signed in 1988 as a 14-year old schoolboy, Giggs will have been at the Red Devils for 20 years come the start of next season. Nine Premier League titles, four F.A. Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League have helped him become an Icon in the red half of Manchester. The 33-year old has spent his entire professional career at the club since making his first-team debut in 1991
“Ryan epitomises the word loyalty – he signed as a 14-year old schoolboy and is still with the club 20 years on,” said Alex Ferguson. “Apart from his playing ability, he has a fantastic demeanour and is a great role model to the younger players… I am sure he will be at the club for a long time to come.”
His service, to the club he has loved since he was a boy, is something that is becoming rare in football these days. The ex-Wales international set a standard that may never be emulated in professional football again.
Those that have played with him call him the greatest they have ever played with. Up there in United folklore with such greats as Charlton, Law and Best; Giggs will, when he does hang up his boots, leave a true legacy. Not just at United, but in football.
He is a role-model for so many young talented people. Most children idolise him. A modern day great with George Best’s talent and Bobby Charltons approach, it is time Ryan received some true recognition.
Charlton received a knighthood in 1994 at the age of 54 for services to football. Yes he did lead the England team to a world cup, the only honour that Giggs is missing from that humongous trophy cabinet. Apart from that, they have pretty similar records for United.
In days where people get knighted for winning a solitary rugby world cup, why can’t we recognise people for true consistency and talent? Maybe it’s a bit early in his lifetime to suggest a knighthood but surely its on the horizon?
No comments:
Post a Comment