Legendary footballer Ryan Giggs has officialy departed with Manchester United, which brings an end to his 29-year long association with the club where he first stepped in as youth prospect.
After serving the club for 29 long years as a player, coach and apprentice, Ryan Giggs has officially announced the exit from his boyhood club.
Giggs made a club-record 963 appearances for United after joining the club on his 14th birthday in 1987, and went on to win the Champions League twice, 13 Premier League titles and the FA Cup four times.
After establishing himself as a club legend, Giggs joined the coaching staff under David Moyes and later he was appointed the assistant manager under Louis Van Gaal. Newly appointed Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho was ready to offer him an inferior role in his backroom coaching which forced Giggs to look for other opportunities.
Ryan Giggs is leaving #mufc to pursue his desire to be a manager.
Statement: https://t.co/vyDUFSuArC #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/VlmbMGWhQg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 2, 2016
It has been a great honor to learn from such a football legend like you. I wish you all the best #Giggs #Legend pic.twitter.com/WWbnqCjXAP
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) July 2, 2016
Ryan Giggs had showed early sparks when he played the role of an interim manager after David Moyes was sacked back in the year 2014. In a four-match short stint as a manager, he pulled up 2 wins, including one defeat and a draw.
Ryan Giggs is understood to have a fair acumen in management and after serving as an assistant manager under Louis Van Gaal, the club legend has finally decided to put his skills to test and is expected to take charge at Nottingham Forest this summer.
Sir Alex on Giggsy: "His place in history is assured. I doubt we’ll ever see a career like his again." #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/jQm6C32KeZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 2, 2016
"I cannot tell you how much I'll miss walking out at Old Trafford." – Ryan Giggs #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/SDlKvp1wVJ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 2, 2016
Speaking on the club’s official website, Giggs said: “After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this club – giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football. It’s healthy to have high expectations, it’s right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.”
“This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14. It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I’ll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future.”
“However, the time feels right and, although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be.”
“I’ve been extremely fortunate in having two great managerial mentors; first in Sir Alex, who I’ve spent the majority of my life working with and learning from and who I believe will remain as football’s greatest-ever manager and in more recent times, Louis van Gaal, whose CV speaks for itself. The knowledge I have gleaned from them has been invaluable.
“I want to reiterate my thanks to the backroom staff and support teams at Manchester United I’ve worked with over the years. The results on the pitch are a reflection of the hard work off it. I would not have achieved the success I have without the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of these people in creating the best environment for the team to succeed.
“I want to congratulate José Mourinho on his appointment as manager of the world’s biggest club. There are only a handful of proven winners at the very highest level and José is unquestionably one of them. I know the fans will welcome him.
“My final thank you is to the fans. I cannot begin to tell you how much I will miss walking out at Old Trafford in front of you. It’s extremely difficult to say goodbye after 29 years. I have loved every minute both as a player and assistant manager. The support you have always shown me has been phenomenal; thank you.
“It’s time for a new chapter and a new challenge. I’m excited about the future – I’ve had the best apprenticeship into management anyone could ever ask for.”