Source: Daily_Mail
Giggsy: The humble superstar who reminds us what the game has lost...
Several years ago, when some Manchester United fans were beginning to question Ryan Giggs's worth, Britain's most decorated footballer picked up the phone to a reporter who had written an article in his defence.[LNB]Giggs didn't say much and the conversation didn't amount to an interview. The criticism he had received from the Stretford End had hurt him and he just wanted to say thank you to someone who had chosen to offer common sense to counter the madness.[LNB] Winning quietly: Ryan Giggs remains courteous, decent but above all talented[LNB]Giggs was saying thank you again on Sunday night, in Sheffield. This time to the 151,842 people who had voted him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. In many ways, though, the two things are linked.[LNB]It is largely because of the courtesy, decency and humility that Giggs has shown over the second half of his career that the United winger won this award. In Britain, we like those who manage to win and win quietly.[LNB]As regrettable as it is, not many people in British football know how to say thank you. More often than not, the phone is only picked up when there is an argument to be had or revenge is sought. In football these days, it is always somebody else's fault.[LNB]Giggs is a magnificent footballer, of course. Had he been English he would have won 100 caps. But that isn't why he has managed to find - almost by accident - such a unique place in the hearts and minds of British supporters.[LNB]There are other great players in our isles, many other worthy servants of our game. There are two others at his own club, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. But in a sport that tends to divide and split opinion almost without trying, Giggs is a rarity simply because he unites people.[LNB]A star is born: Young Giggs in action in 1992[LNB]Perhaps that is because he reminds us of something we have lost. Having played more than 800 games for his one and only club, such loyalty and longevity may never be seen again.[LNB]When we say goodbye to him - whenever that may be - there will be a real sense of loss, a sense that a clearly defined chapter in the history of our game will be closing. How many players can we genuinely say that about?[LNB]On Sunday night, football supporters from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea would have felt pleased for Giggs. Some may even have voted for him. Manchester City fans would not have (Giggs was about to sign for them before United stole in 22 years ago), but today they stand in the minority.[LNB]For the first half of his 19 years in the United first team, Giggs was simply a supremely talented young footballer. His manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and one of his inspirations,Sir Bobby Charlton, both tell wonderful tales of the first occasions they watched him play.[LNB]'I told Sir Bobby that he had to come down and watch this young lad,' recalls Ferguson. 'He came down and watched him. Straight away he said that we had to sign him up.[LNB]'I said, 'Don't worry, we already have'. We must have gone to his house countless times to make sure he came to us. Thankfully, he did.'[LNB]Over the years, Giggs's talents have endured. Though in our mind's eye we will always see him as a winger, his sense of timing, his intelligence and indeed his robustness have allowed him to play across the midfield positions.[LNB]Yoga, tennis and fatherhood have certainly contributed to his mental and physical resilience. His tennis is still in the 'development' stages but Giggs was one of the first at Old Trafford to try yoga and he attributes his twice-weekly sessions to keeping at bay the hamstring problems that bothered him regularly up until three or four years ago.[LNB]'I have hardly missed a training session for some two years now,' he said.[LNB]In recent years, though, Giggs has emerged as something more than simply a superb footballer. He has grown into his role as one of our senior statesmen with remarkableease.[LNB]Giggs was never a saint. Could a player blessed with such extravagant and flamboyant gifts really be expected to be an introvert away from the field?[LNB] Key influence: The guidance and protection of Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge factor in Giggs's early development at Old Trafford[LNB]He ran with the pack as a younger man and even got into a fight at the party that followed United's 1999 Champions League success.[LNB]But the truth is that he has long since made the transition. He has long since understood the responsibility that comes with the passing of time. He doesn't dye the flecks of silver in his hair. He hasn't tried to hold time back.[LNB]While players such as his clubmate Neville seem to be heading towards retirement consumed by rage that soon it will all be over, Giggs has carried the look of a man who seems intent on enjoying it while he can.[LNB]An ambassador for the charity UNICEF, he has been able to place football in its proper context, although, when your honours include 11 Premier League titles, two European Cups, the Super Cup, three League Cups and four FA Cups, perhaps that is easierto do.[LNB]Crowning glory: Ryan Giggs with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Sunday[LNB]In recent years there have been challenges to his place in Ferguson's thinking. Cristiano Ronaldo stole the limelight for a while, of course, while left-sided players such as the Korean, Ji-sung Park, and the Portugal winger Nani have also arrived as United's manager has been forced to confront a future without his favourite Welshman.[LNB]Nani has already gone on record to thank Giggs for his help and advice, though, and he is not the only one to benefit from the elder statesman's selflessness.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'He's part of the second unofficial tier of my staff, if you like. I do confide in him and I do take his advice.[LNB]'He understands this club better than anybody.'[LNB]Giggs is already part-way to earning his coaching badges, but that is for the future. For now, at least, his remarkable playing career moves inexorably forwards.[LNB]Some may resent him winning Sunday's award, but they will be few. His acceptance speech mirrored his goal celebrations. Understated. No badge-kissing.[LNB]In winning, he managed something remarkable. Giggs is not English and he plays for a club disliked by millions. Both should have been natural obstacles.[LNB]But - just he has on the football field for 20 years - Giggs managed to make the winning look easy.[LNB] Ryan Giggs: What they say about Manchester United's man for all seasonsLegend Giggs has the X-Factor, says former Man United team-mate BruceManchester United star Ryan Giggs named Sports Personality of the Year 2009MANCHESTER UNITED FC
