Ryan Giggs
Sir Alex Ferguson has been paid an emotional tribute by newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ryan Giggs. Giggs also believes that he will leave United before his mentor and friend. The 36 year old footballer has described his transition into a trusted confidante of the manager that once scared him. He described their current relationship as better than at any time in his career.
Giggs made his United debut in 1991, and at 36 falls now into the age group that are only offered single year extensions by Ferguson based on fitness and performance levels, neither of which are an issue for the Welshman. It is expected that he will agree his extension to contract shortly. This will keep him with United until the end of the 2010/11 season. He has previously stated a desire to end his playing career at the club. When he finally decides to hang up his boots he firmly believes that Sir Alex, 68 later this month, will still be occupying the managers office at Old Trafford.
When asked about possible retirements he confirmed that he would probably be first to go. “The manager is as good as ever and will go on for a long time. I can still see him as manager of United in five years’ time, easily, because as long as he is healthy he will have the desire to carry on. He has a great team around him, he has his passions away from the game and can get away with his horse racing. When he comes back to football he is refreshed, and I know he still has that desire.”
When the shortlist for he prestigious BBC award as announced Giggs was available at odds of 66-1 at first, though the odds did shorten. His success in Sunday’s public vote came as no surprise to many in football who recognise the achievements of a talent who, without doubt, has been one of the most talented players of his generation and has survived for nearly two decades as a mainstay of the United team. At club level he has won every award and trophy that there is and as one of the most respected players in the game he deserves them all.
