Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs left his role as assistant Man U coach on Saturday
after spending 29 years at the club- first as a player since the age
of 14, then the last three years as an assistant coach under David Moyes
and then Louis Van Gaal.
The Welshman, 42, has
played more times for the club than anyone else in history and is the
club’s most decorated player, having won every major honour in club
football. After Jose Mourinho’s appointment as coach, he felt it was the
right
time to leave. Read his statement below…
played more times for the club than anyone else in history and is the
club’s most decorated player, having won every major honour in club
football. After Jose Mourinho’s appointment as coach, he felt it was the
right
time to leave. Read his statement below…
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Manchester
United Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward said: “Ryan’s place in the
history of Manchester United is assured. He has been a constant presence
at the club since 1987 and, during his playing days, regularly
delighted crowds; first with his dazzling wing play and later with his
intelligence and ability to dictate a game.
United Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward said: “Ryan’s place in the
history of Manchester United is assured. He has been a constant presence
at the club since 1987 and, during his playing days, regularly
delighted crowds; first with his dazzling wing play and later with his
intelligence and ability to dictate a game.
“He
has tackled his coaching and management responsibilities with similar
rigour and diligence. The experiences and discipline he developed at
United will undoubtedly be a big help as he continues to learn his
trade. He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future.
Everyone at the club wishes him well in his new career. He will be
missed but will always be welcome at Manchester United.”
has tackled his coaching and management responsibilities with similar
rigour and diligence. The experiences and discipline he developed at
United will undoubtedly be a big help as he continues to learn his
trade. He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future.
Everyone at the club wishes him well in his new career. He will be
missed but will always be welcome at Manchester United.”