Ryan Giggs: Awarded a new deal by Manchester United to continue his Old Trafford career

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract to extend his remarkable career at Old Trafford.

The Welshman’s deal had been set to expire in the summer but he indicated recently that he had no intention of hanging up his boots.

United have now confirmed that he has agreed fresh terms to keep him at the club until June 2013.

Giggs turns 39 in November and the contract extension means he will now still be playing just a few month before his 40th birthday.

After progressing through the youth ranks with the Red Devils, Giggs made his debut in 1991 and has scored in every season of the Premier League since its inception.

Marvellous

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Giggs’ longevity as a player and for being a role model for his fellow professionals.

He said: “Ryan is a marvellous player. In many ways, he epitomises all my teams here at United; he has constantly reinvented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success.

“In every training session and match, he is the example for others to follow.

“The young players in the dressing room have a great chance to learn from a player who will continue to break records that anyone in the game will find hard to beat.”

“When I signed my first contract, I never thought I’d be able to play at United for 22 years but I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours.”Ryan Giggs on his new deal Quotes of the week

Great feeling

Giggs has also expressed his delight at the deal and is looking forward to playing a key role over the next 18 months.

“When I signed my first contract, I never thought I’d be able to play at United for 22 years but I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours,” Giggs said.

“Winning the club’s 19th title was a great feeling but this club is all about what we do next and I’m really pleased I can be part of that.”