Man Utd: Ryan Giggs Retires From Football To Be Louis Van Gaal's Assistant

Ryan Giggs has announced his retirement from football in order to be Louis van Gaal's assistant at Manchester United, ending his twenty-four-year career as a player. The decision follows the announcement that van Gaal has been named as the club's permanent manager on a three-year contract, replacing David Moyes, who was sacked last month. Giggs said in an open letter announcing his retirement as a player:

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as assistant manager of Manchester United.

I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times. My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and although it saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt and appreciated your support."

The Welshman is now expected to focus all of his energies on his new assistant role, serving as van Gaal's right-hand man from the start of next season. Giggs began his United career in 1990, signing his first professional contract on his 17th birthday. Since then, the midfielder has gone on to become the most decorated player in English football history, and is United's record appearance holder with 963 appearances. Giggs won 34 trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues, was appointed an OBE in the Queen's 2007 Birthday Honours List, and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005, for his services to English Football. Leave your tributes to Ryan Giggs in the comment section, below.