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![]() 30/05/2007 12:12, Report by Ben Hibbs
Giggs confirms Wales retirement
Ryan Giggs has confirmed he will retire from international football after Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic.
The 33-year-old Welsh skipper will sign off with 64 caps, 16 years after making his international debut against Germany in Nuremburg at the age of 17 years and 322 days.
"Saturday will be my last game for my country," he said at a press conference in Cardiff. "I feel this is a good time to retire and it's a difficult decision for me. I've loved playing for my country and I've loved captaining my country. But I think it's the right time to do this. It wasn't an easy decision for me."
Giggs says that the decision was his alone and was not influenced by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson or Wales manager John Toshack.
"He (Sir Alex) just said 'whatever you decide, I'll stand by your decision'," said Giggs. "The manager was never going to suggest that I shouldn't play for my country. That's not what he does. I've made the decision and he'll stand by.
"John [Toshack] said that he half expected it. He didn't try to change my mind, he just wished me luck. I've really enjoyed playing under John the past few years. He's brought through young players and I've seen at club level what that can do for you, it gives you a lift. That has definitely been the case with Wales.
The Football Association of Wales said on its website: "The FAW would like to place on record their gratitude for the 16 years of service that Ryan has give to his country. In that time he has upheld the highest principals of fair play during an exemplary career for Wales."
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发表于 2007-5-30 17:52
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