Rafael hails marvellous Giggs

25 February 2013 08:47

Rafael heaped praise on the "unbelievable" Ryan Giggs after the Manchester United legend scored on his 999th appearance for the club.

The 39-year-old ensured the Red Devils would leave London with three points on Saturday, striking home 10 minutes from time to wrap up a 2-0 win over QPR.

"He is an unbelievable player," United right-back Rafael said. "Every game you see him, he works hard, scores, makes assists. It is getting boring. He is just such a good player. He is the same in training; he just loves to play the game. He is one of the top players that I have played with."

He added: "He gives us experience, confidence, and when you are feeling bad he comes and helps you, especially young players.

"Sometimes a young player finds it tough going and he helps them to show how to do it. He knows it from playing for 22 years.

"He pulls the player aside. He spoke to me a lot when I was young."

That advice appears to be working for Rafael, who is maturing into a fine player for United.

The Brazilian was arguably the man of the match against QPR, defending superbly and opening the scoring in stunning fashion.

"I can't remember scoring a better goal," he said with a smile. "The one at Liverpool was different because it was a curling shot, but I can't remember a better one than this. I think it's my best.

"I just saw the ball coming towards me and hit it as hard as I could. You can feel by the way you hit the ball that it's going in. I just hoped it wouldn't deflect off anyone. It was a good goal."

Source: PA