Ryan Giggs has reflected that Tuesday evening’s Champions League Last 16 clash with Real Madrid is the type of game he will miss when he retires.
The 39-year-old Manchester United midfielder, who last week signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford, is set to make his 1,000th career appearance in tomorrow night’s second leg against Madrid.
“These are the games that you are going to miss when you finish playing and coming towards the end of your career, like I am, you want to enjoy it and savour it as much as you can,” he reflected to UEFA’s official magazine this week.
The Welshman was known in his earlier days for his pace on the wing, but has since developed into a central midfielder.
“I've tried to develop my game every season, and I am still trying. I've moved on from relying on my pace – relying on beating defenders, trying to unbalance them – to playing in other positions.
“I'm equally comfortable in midfield or on the left. I've got the experience of playing left wing, and now I try to take up a position and produce passes to trouble a defender rather than going past him. Being effective on the pitch is what it's all about.
“Scoring is the ultimate test in the Champions League. It has become less and less for me, so when I do get one I enjoy it more than ever.”
