Manchester United Legend Ryan Giggs Leaves Club After 29-Year Association

Manchester United on Saturday announced that the football club legend and assistant coach Ryan Giggs will leave them to become a chief coach elsewhere.
"Ryan Giggs is to leave Manchester United, the club he has been with since the age of 14, to pursue his desire to be a manager," United said in a statement.

Giggs, 42, has played more times for the club than anyone else in history and is its most decorated player, having won every major honour in club football. He also worked as assistant to sacked head coach Louis van Gaal.

Ryan Giggs said: "After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this club - giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football. It's healthy to have high expectations, it's right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.

"This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14. It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I'll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future.

"However, the time feels right and, although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be.

He also wished luck to United's new chief coach Jose Mourinho, who is willing to bring his preferred support staff to Manchester.

"I want to congratulate Jose Mourinho on his appointment as manager of the world's biggest club. There are only a handful of proven winners at the very highest level and Jose is unquestionably one of them. I know the fans will welcome him," Giggs said.