MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs signed up for a 21st season at the club after agreeing a one-year contract extension Friday.
The 37-year-old, who has made a club record 862 first team appearances since his debut in March 1991, agreed terms on a deal taking him through to the end of 2011-12 season, the club’s official website confirmed.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is play for United and I’ve been lucky enough to do that for 20 years,” said Giggs, who this season added three goals to his tally of 158 in United colors.
While longtime teammate Gary Neville called time on his career earlier in the month, Giggs said he would continue because he believed he still had a part to play.
“It’s great to know I’m still contributing to the team’s success and I feel I’ve got a lot to offer on and off the pitch,” the Welsh winger said. “This is an exciting time to be involved with so many good young players coming through.”
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: “You run out of words to describe Ryan Giggs. He is a marvelous player and a wonderful man. To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level in such a physically demanding position at his age requires a special person. He is still turning in man of the match performances and his experience is so vital for the younger players in the squad.”