If there’s one player any youngster hoping to make their way in the game should try to be like, it’s Ryan Giggs.
He marked the build-up to his 40th birthday last Friday by producing a stand-out display as Manchester United earned a terrific 5-0 win in their Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
United might have had a dodgy landing as they flew into Germany, but they were like a well-oiled machine as they picked Leverkusen off to ensure their progress to the knockout stages.
Giggs played a key role, and let’s not forget, it’s a competition he has won twice.
He has also claimed 13 Premier League title medals, and won the FA Cup and League Cup four times apiece.
With a medal haul like that, it would be understandable were he to think about winding down, especially with a career in coaching beckoning.
But not Giggs, who is talking about a contract extension and passing the fantastic milestone of 1,000 games in United colours.
The other amazing thing about Giggs is that he has only ever played club football for United.
There’s not even a spell out on loan on his CV, and in the modern era, that’s something pretty special.
Giggs does what he does out on the pitch not just because he has skill, but also because of a fantastic attitude to playing and training.
You have to work harder than ever as you get older, and he has never stopped looking for ways to improve himself.
I’m proud to be able to say I have played against him, and I really hope he carries on for a few years yet.
