Ryan Giggs - Attacking Midfielder

Birthdate: 29 November 1973 in Canton, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Club Career: 1990-present with Manchester United

Position : midfield, second striker

Ryan Joseph Giggs is a Welsh footballer who has played for Manchester United for the entirety of his club career to-date. In 1980, when Giggs was six years old, his father switched rugby codes and signed for Swinton RLC, forcing the whole family to move north to Manchester. After moving to Manchester, Giggs appeared for the local team, Deans FC, who were coached by Manchester City scout Dennis Schofield. Schofield recommended Giggs to Manchester City, and he was signed up to their School of Excellence.

As First team in Manchester United

Giggs made his first appearance for the club during the 1990-91 season and has been a regular player since the 1991-92 season. He has played the most competitive games for the club, and holds the club record of team trophies won by a player. In recent years, Giggs has captained the team on numerous occasions, particularly in the 2007–08 season when regular captain Gary Neville was ruled out with various injuries.

Giggs also holds the honour of winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice in 1992 and 1993 making him the first player to win the award in consecutive years. This feat has only ever been matched by Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney. In addition, Giggs has the record for being the top all-time scorer in the FA Premier League not to play in the position of striker.

In the 2007-08 season, Alex Ferguson adopted a rotation system between Giggs and newcomers Nani and Anderson. Nevertheless, Giggs remained the favoured choice for the anticipated clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford and put in a cross with the outside of his boot for Carlos Tevez to score his first United goal.

International Career

Giggs announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday 30 May 2007 at a press conference, drawing the curtain on a 16-year international career. His final game for Wales, and as captain, was the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on 2 June. He earned his 64th cap in this game and won the Man of the Match award as Wales drew 0-0.

Personal life

Giggs married his long-term partner Stacey Cooke in a private ceremony on 7 September 2007 They currently have two children and live in Worsley, Manchester.