Soccer:Ryan Giggs has confirmed he intends to extend his Manchester United career into another season. The 37-year-old has been playing on season-long contracts for a number of years now, with a decision generally taken in the spring about whether he wants to carry on.
United boss Alex Ferguson has offered high praise for Giggs’ recent performances and the veteran Welshman has now revealed his desire to continue his stellar career into 2012.
“I am quite happy still playing at the moment and enjoying my football as much as ever,” he said. “I said if I was still enjoying myself and still getting picked I would carry on. We will sit down and talk but I am really looking forward to playing next year.”
No timescale has been put on the talks. But the evidence of recent seasons suggests discussions between Ferguson and chief executive David Gill with the player, who made his 600th league appearance for Manchester United in last weekend’s game at Tottenham, will be concluded swiftly.
“I don’t know when it will be sorted out,” said Giggs. “We have been quite relaxed about it over the years but it is usually done and dusted quite quickly.”
Giggs is bidding to win a record 12th league title this season to go alongside his two European Cups and the countless other trophies on his mantle piece. All of this has been achieved under Ferguson. And although their relationship has changed down the years, the mutual respect is obvious.
“It is good to hear praise from the manager,” said Giggs. “He would be the first one to tell me if I was not playing well or my form wasn’t good. “We talk a lot more and we are a lot more honest with each other. He tells me when I am not going to play and gives me a little bit more notice now. It is a great relationship and one that has been a big part of why I am still playing.”
Antonio Valencia, meanwhile, has been given the green light to step up his recovery programme. The Ecuador star has been out of action since August after suffering an horrific ankle injury against West Ham at Old Trafford.
Ferguson said at the time that Valencia might be back in action by the end of February, and United’s medical staff are still working to that timescale. However, the mere fact Valencia is now working under their complete control is a significant pointer towards a full recovery.
And, given the 25-year-old’s outstanding form in his first season at Old Trafford following his €20 million arrival from Wigan, having him back midway through a two-legged European clash with Marseille has offered Ferguson some good news.
“Antonio is doing well now,” said Ferguson. "He has got the all-clear from the doctors and is under our complete control now, which is great news. He has started his running programme and is with the physios every day, which is a big step forward. Possibly he should be back in the first-team squad towards the end of February, which is a big boost to us and something to look forward to.”
