Veteran Giggs stunned by glittering career

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs admitted on Friday he was stunned by his achievements in the game, but insists there's work to be done to kickstart the champions' lacklustre season into action.

Giggs, 34, who collected his 10th Premier League winners medal and second European Cup winner medal last season, marked the launch of a film about his life by revealing he was “lucky” to be part of United's success.

“I could never envisage first of all how long I'm going to play in the team, and then how successful it's been in that time,” Giggs said.

“I have been fortunate to play in an era where it's been the most successful time in Manchester United's history so I have been lucky.

“I moved into Salford from the age of seven. I grew up in the Salford area, played for Salford Boys, and then to play for Manchester United is just unbelievable.

“You can't describe it. You don't think it's going to happen.”

United chief executive David Gill paid tribute to Giggs' contribution to United which spans almost two decades since he turned professional with the club in November 1990.

The former Wales international has won numerous personal accolades as well as his achievements with United including surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances.

“I think clearly it's testament to someone who has had a fantastic career, loved it and I think that is what we try to have at Manchester United,” Gill said.

“We have got many players, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, who have played many years for us, and it's fantastic.

“But in this day and age people tend to move on much more than they did previously. It's fantastic for Ryan and fantastic for the club.

“He's fit, and in this day and age where players look after themselves and all the support they get, they can play for many years and we hope that is the case for Ryan.”

Former United captain Bryan Robson agreed with Gill's assessment of Giggs' achievements and held the player up as a blueprint for young players to achieve success.

Robson added: “He's had a fantastic career. He's been a real legend and ambassador towards football.

“The way he handles the media, the way he goes about being a professional footballer, for any young kids he's an example to look to.

“In the early games this season I think he's looked really fit and sharp in his game and I think he'll have a big season for United again.”

Giggs now hopes to be involved on Saturday when United tackle Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.