Ryan Giggs makes shocking revelation about his retirement decision
Oct 22, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ latest revelation is bound to shock the Old Trafford faithful. One of the finest players to wear the United jersey, Giggs retired in 2014 after spending his entire playing career at Old Trafford. However, the former Wales international has said that his decision to bid adieu to the game was not solely his.
After Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Giggs played the role of player-coach under David Moyes and after Moyes was replaced by Louis Van Gaal, Giggs said that he received the offer of becoming the assistant coach by the Dutch tactician. However, Van Gaal was adamant that the United legend had to end his playing career to take the position. Giggs said that he accepted the offer immediately as he felt it was right.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Giggs said: “When I first met Louis we got talking and he asked me to be his assistant after just 30 minutes of conversation.”
“I accepted and then he told me that he had one condition. I had to retire. In fact, he said he had made the decision for me.
“I was officially retired as a player as of that moment. As soon as he said so, it felt right.”
Contrary to the popular belief, Giggs said that Van Gaal had a positive influence on the club and his own career.
“I learned more about coaching from Louis over the next two years than I thought possible,” he said.
“He was completely thorough. Everyone in the team knew their role exactly and in the first season, we made good progress.
“It was only last season that we lost our way although it would be wrong to say that was all Louis’ fault. We must all take our share of the blame.”