No Worries For Giggs

Ryan Giggs and Manchester United are in talks over a contract extension for the veteran Welshman.

United's vice-captain turns 34 in November and though he may possess significantly less pace than in his heyday he's still one of the most valuable and important players of the team. Not many of our fans would be sorry to see him in the team for another season.

'There have never really been any problems ever with my contracts,' Ryan told Manchester Evening News.

'Maybe two or three years ago there was a little problem but not a massive one. There is trust there and that comes from around 16 years in the first team. If I am playing well everything else will look after itself.

'There has been a brief chat so hopefully it will get sorted out sooner rather than later.

'It is not something I worry myself about. You could easily get caught up in 'I have only got a year left so I need to play well' and put that added extra pressure on yourself.

'Pressure playing for United in itself is enough. You don't want to put added pressure on. I don't think I need to play well in this game and then that one or else I won't be offered a contract. I don't think about that. I just try and enjoy it.

'I feel the more I enjoy my game the better I play. That has been the case over the last few years because I know I am coming to the end of my career. I am out to enjoy myself.

'I never give a thought to how long I can go on. I don't think you can afford to.

In this last sentence, I could not miss how much he echoed his managers' thoughts on retirement... No surprises there, mind you.

'On Monday morning I thought I only had a week left in the game because I was knackered! But generally I feel good.'

And he confirmed that his retirement from international football helps a lot to recover after games which is becoming increasingly difficult with age.

"I feel good. I feel as fit as ever. The problem now is that the older you get the recovery is harder. When you have games every three days it is a little bit harder to recover.

"Saying that, not playing internationals has helped. I have felt good the last few games because I had that two-week break when the Euro 2008 qualifiers were being played. Now I know I have three games before the next international break. I feel already that it is helping me and I hope that carries on."

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