It is still unclear where Giggs is heading to next.
Manchester United legend and, recently, assistant
manager has parted ways with the club after almost three decades as a player,
as an interim manager and as an assistant manager. The Welshman is the most
decorated player in the club's history and has won everything there is with the
club.
With the appointment of Jose Mourinho, the club
were bracing for the legend's exit. As an assistant manager to Louis van Gaal,
Giggs was disappointed when the Dutchman was sacked and rumours and stories of
his unrest have been circulating ever since.
Having joined the club back in 1987, Giggs is more
than an icon at the club. He's as Manchester United as Manchester United can
get and can be said in the same breath as Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby
Charlton.
Speaking to the official website, Giggs thanked the
club for everything and thanked everyone who were involved in ensuring he
became the player he thought he could be. "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," he said.
"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 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.
Giggs also took time to congratulate and wish Jose
Mourinho the best of luck.
"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."
The Executive Vice-Chairman of Manchester United,
Ed Woodward, thanked Giggs for his contribution to the club, "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."
It is still unclear where Giggs is off to next but
has been linked with the managerial post at Nottingham Forest.
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