A tribute to Ryan Giggs

As Ryan Giggs approaches 1,000 senior appearances in football, FOX Sports pays tribute to the Manchester United legend.

Ryan Giggs signed his professional papers at Manchester United in November 1990 and made his league debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991 as a substitute for Denis Irwin in the old Division One.

Exactly 22 years later, the Welsh wizard is set to make his 1,000th senior appearance (club and country) in football - still wearing the famous red shirt of United - on Saturday against Norwich.

Nobody at Old Trafford has won more trophies than him with 24 major honours to his name; in fact Giggs is the most successful British footballer of all-time.

No wonder so many have been quick to pay homage to the man on the eve of yet another milestone.

"What can I say about Ryan that hasn't already been said? He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being. He has fantastic energy for the game and it is wonderful to see. To think that he now has 23 unbroken years of league goals behind him is truly amazing in the modern-day game" 

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It is amazing, exceptional, something I as a footballer have difficulty in believing not that somebody can play 1000 [games], but over 600 are with the same team - this is great, this is the club and you play for the club with your heart, you belong to this club" 

FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

"Ryan Giggs for me is one the best player in the world, and now he is old but he continues to play well and he was a fantastic player"

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

"He has been an unbelievable player. The only problem I saw in him is that he played for the wrong team, from my point of view. He should have played for us"

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.

"He is Mr Manchester United"

Team-mate Michael Carrick.

On Friday, Giggs signed a one-year contract extension with United ensuring he will still be at United beyond his 40th birthday.

With United 12 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with 11 games to go, Giggs is set to win his 13th league championship.

Here's a look at Giggs' career in numbers:

Ryan Giggs	Career In Numbers
Senior Appearances	999
Man United Appearances	931
Man United Goals	168
Premier League Titles	12
FA Cup Wins	4
Champions League Titles	2
Major Trophies	24

 

And here's another interesting stat: Giggs has zero red cards in his club career.

But we'll leave the final word to man himself.

"I've been at United since I was 13 and I'm very fond of the club and the fans, they have been an integral part of my life"

Ryan Giggs.

Source: Fox Sport