Saturday 2 March 2013 16:58, UK
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed that Ryan Giggs will have a 'great role' at the club once he has finished playing.
Giggs is to play his 1000th senior game this weekend and is on course to add a 13th league championship medal to his collection with United 12 points clear of closest rivals Manchester City. The former Wales international is set to celebrate his milestone in front of a home crowd against Norwich and boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he expects the evergreen winger will remain in a coaching capacity once he does decide to end his playing days. "He'll be involved (against Norwich) and he'll be involved on Tuesday (against Real Madrid) so somewhere along the line he's going to play his 1,000th game this week, which is phenomenal," Ferguson told United's official website. "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. "His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever and I am absolutely delighted that he has signed a new contract. "(A coaching role) will happen, that's the plan. We've done the same with Nicky Butt with the reserves and when Paul Scholes finishes it will be exactly the same with him. I think it's important we have people here who have the experience of being a player here." Giggs revealed his delight, saying: "I am feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most importantly, I feel I am making a contribution to the team. "This is an exciting team to be part of, with great team spirit, and we are again pushing for trophies as we head towards the business end of the season. "I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I would like to thank Sir Alex and the coaching staff and I would also like to thank (outgoing chief executive) David Gill who has been a tremendous support over my many years here."
