Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is set to end his 29-year association with the club, according to latest reports.
BBC reports that United are set to make an official announcement of Giggs’ departure in the coming days. The 42-year-old, who served as assistant manager to Louis Van Gaal last season, will make way for Rui Faria, a long-time associate of new manager Jose Mourinho.
Giggs joined United academy on his 14th birthday and went on to make 963 appearances for United. He became one of the greatest footballers in Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson and cemented his legendary status among United fans with his loyalty to the club.
United fans, in huge numbers, are paying tributes to the 42-year-old on Twitter:
Ryan Giggs
963 apps
⚽️ 168 goals
34 trophies#MUFC Legend pic.twitter.com/TT0dTdCgAc— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 1, 2016
Thanks for the memories Giggsy:
– 963 Games
– 35 Trophies
– 29 Years
– 1 Club Legend #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Z3oweDdC1D— Devils Latest (@Devils_Latest) July 1, 2016
Still one of me favourite Giggsy memories this. Spurs away in ’92. A glimpse of the potential of the lad. https://t.co/ZPdaO0YR9f
— Jonathan Allsopp (@jonathanallsopp) July 1, 2016
Love this chant @bernybizzle @andyadams11mufc #Greatest #Legend #Giggs @ManUtd https://t.co/yclNQMqHkT
— Paul ‘Kyran-Kayode’ (@Orhevba) July 1, 2016
Giggsy, I can’t thank you enough for the memories. On behalf of every single United fan on the planet, thank you! #MUFC #Giggs #Legend
— Craig ™ (@Craig_Taylor8) July 1, 2016
a really sad day giggs deserves more from utd good look in the future!! #giggsroad❤ #mufc
— MUHAMMAD ALI. (@movidic15) July 1, 2016
29 years. 963 appearances. 168 goals 34 trophies 1 club. Farewell Ryan Giggs hope you will return someday #MUFC https://t.co/r8zi0flu0s
— Danny smith… (@doglab) July 1, 2016
29 years at one club is incredible 29 years playing in the top division incredible scoring in 29 consecutive seasons Ryan giggs ⚪️
— kev duff (@Kevinn_Duffy_) July 1, 2016
Man of all seasons, Ryan Giggs, has left Manchester United.
Tearing you apart since 1991.
— Sulaiman. (@SBala_) July 1, 2016
Man of all seasons, Ryan Giggs, has left Manchester United.
Tearing you apart since 1991.
— Sulaiman. (@SBala_) July 1, 2016
Farewell Giggsy! Thank you for everything and good luck! #giggs #legend pic.twitter.com/ZtUq4lEOcP
— Cameron Rogers (@Cman_Rogers2) July 1, 2016
COMMENTS