Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he is in awe of the talent and greatness of team-mate Ryan Giggs.
United defender overwhelmed by team-mate's talent
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he is in awe of the talent and greatness of team-mate Ryan Giggs.
Giggs made his 899th appearance for the Red Devils on Saturday as he played a pivotal role in the side's 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The 38-year-old recently signed a one-year extension to his contract with United meaning that he will play on into a 22nd season in the top flight.
And with the 900 appearances milestone on the horizon for the United veteran, Ferdinand has praised Giggs, who has managed to remain injury-free and the fittest member of the squad.
"He has been blessed with a tremendous physique," he said.
"He is not carrying any weight, he's not had any serious injuries and he manages himself really well.
Tremendous
"To have that many appearances at one club is phenomenal. Words can't describe how great that is."
England defender Ferdinand believes Giggs is still more than capable of producing influential moments like those which have earmarked the Welshman's career as he continues to make the starting line-up by merit.
"There is no reduction in his talent," he added. "He is still one of the better players in training.
"In the games, he's one of the best too. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in midfield.
"That tells you he is not getting in because of who he is or what he's done, he's getting in the team on merit."
Talent
Ferdinand has partnered Giggs at Old Trafford for a decade but can still recollect having videos of his team-mate when he was at school, which pays testament to the longevity of his career.
"I had videos of Giggs versus John Barnes and George Best versus Diego Maradona," he said.
"I used to watch them all the time. I particularly remember Giggsy scoring a goal against QPR where he danced past a couple of defenders and smashed it in.
"And then there was that curly hair. He is a great player.
"When he first came into the Premier League, he was like a breath of fresh air.
"To watch him continue where he started as a youngster is fantastic."
