Ryan Giggs is to
leave Manchester United, the club he has been with since the age of 14, to
pursue his desire to be a manager. Giggs, 42, has played more times for
the club than anyone else in history and is its most decorated player, having
won every major honour in club football.
Ryan 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."
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."
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