Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs has today announced his retirement from football and will immediately become assistant manager at Manchester United to newly appointed manager Louis van Gaal.

In a letter posted on the Manchester United website, the 41 year old congratulated van Gaal on his appointment before thanking former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the players and the staff at the club.

Giggs played his whole club career at Manchester United, winning 13 league titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, four FA Cup titles as well as four League Cup titles over a 23 year period at Old Trafford.

The Welshman, who won 64 caps with the Wales national team, also took charge of the club for the final matches of the Premier League season in a caretaker role following the dismissal of David Moyes.

And executive vice-chairman of the club, Ed Woodward described Giggs as ”one of the
greatest players ever to wear the red shirt of Manchester United,” stating further that ”what he has achieved will never be equalled in the English game.”