Ferdinand: Praise for Giggs

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Rio lauds phenomenal Giggs

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs ahead of the Welshman’s 900th game for the Old Trafford club.

The versatile 38-year-old played an influential role in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and has since been rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will see his career into its 22nd season.

It’s an amazing feat for the Red Devils stalwart, who still remains one of the fittest players at the club.

At one point in his career when it seemed he would become plagued by hamstring problems, but he turned to yoga which has since kept him going for many seasons.

Giggs made his 23rd appearance of the season on Saturday against bitter rivals Liverpool, proving he can still provide the same major influence he has been giving since the start of his senior career at Old Trafford in 1991.

“He has been blessed with a tremendous physique,” Ferdinand told Press Association Sport.

“He is not carrying any weight, he’s not had any serious injuries and he manages himself really well.

“To have that many appearances at one club is phenomenal. Words can’t describe how great that is.

“There is no reduction in his talent. He is still one of the better players in training.

The defender added: “In the games, he’s one of the best too. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in midfield.

“That tells you he is not getting in because of who he is or what he’s done - he’s getting in the team on merit.”

“He is a great player. When he first came into the Premier League, he was like a breath of fresh air.

“To watch him continue where he started as a youngster is fantastic.”