Wales captain Ryan Giggs has confirmed his retirement from international football after their Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Manchester United winger (33) will earn his 64th and final cap against the Czechs at the weekend and revealed the decision had not been an easy one.

He said: "I would like to announce Saturday will be my last game for my country. I feel this is a good time to retire and it's a difficult decision for me.

"I have loved playing for my country and I have loved captaining my country. I think it's the right time to do this. It wasn't an easy decision for me.

Wales coach John Toshack said the news came as no great surprise and paid tribute to Giggs' contribution in his 16 years with the international set-up.

He said: "Ryan came to see me and I could see he was a little bit disturbed. I had an idea what might be coming.

"I would like to say it has been a privilege to have him as my captain, he has always set a terrific example to all the young lads in the squad.

"We shall certainly miss him. I think we are talking about a very special person here, 16 years on the international scene under quite a bit of pressure when he plays for Wales - probably more than when he does for his club.

"I would like to wish him all the very best and say just how much he has helped me."