MANCHESTER, February 12 – Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs signed a new one-year contract extension with the Premier League and European champions on Thursday.
Giggs has been rewarded for another impressive season with Sir Alex Ferguson’s team and is now contracted to the Old Trafford club until June 2010.
The 35-year-old’s superb winner at West Ham last weekend earned glowing praise from Ferguson and the Welsh star, who made his debut for United nearly 18 years ago, insists he is fit enough to continue making a significant contribution.
"I feel fit and I’m enjoying my football more than ever," he told United’s website, "This is an exciting young team and the spirit is great in the dressing room. I want to be a part of that and achieve even more success."
Giggs is United’s record appearance holder after surpassing Bobby Charlton’s previous high of 758 games in last season’s Champions League final win over Chelsea.
That success was Giggs’ second Champions League final triumph following United’s 1999 win against Bayern Munich.
Giggs has also won the Premier League title 10 times, as well as four FA Cups, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ferguson admited Giggs’ dedication and professionalism set a high standard for young players moving to United.
"Ryan is a true professional of the game. His lifestyle, the way he looks after himself, his desire to always want to win is a credit to him and also an inspiration to any young kid who wants to become a footballer," Ferguson said.
"He is like a young boy in the way that he plays and, although he wants to play every game, he understands that by using his experience when it matters is a benefit to him and the team.
"It would be easy for him to be complacent after all he has achieved but he isn’t and that speaks volumes of why the club wanted to extend his services and use that experience."
