Ryan Giggs retires: Giggs announces retirement from playing career after being appointed Louis van Gaal's No 2 at Manchester United

Gigg's bring the curtain does on an illustrious 23-year career with United

Ryan Giggs is sure that United will bounce back (GETTY IMAGES)

Ryan Giggs has announced his retirement as a player following his appointment as assistant manager to new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.

The 40-year-old made public his decision to hang up his boots in an open letter published on United's website.

Giggs is the most decorated player in United's history having won 34 trophies in a career which saw him make 963 appearances for his only club.

Giggs, who made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in 1991 and also earned 64 caps for Wales, said: "My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and although it saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football."

Giggs' honours included 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League successes.

He has served as a player-coach over the past year and took over as interim manager for the final four games of last season after the sacking of David Moyes.

United were thought to be keen to retain his services in a coaching capacity and his future is believed to have been a key part of negotiations with Van Gaal.

Giggs said: "For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions - immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the future.

"United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way.

"To the greatest fans in world football, thank you, I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the biggest and best club in the world."

Giggs, who came through United's youth ranks and was a member of their famous 'Class of '92' group of FA Youth Cup winners, was one of the finest players of his era.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Ryan Giggs has been one of the greatest players ever to wear the red shirt of Manchester United.

"What he has achieved will never be equalled in the English game.

"In the way he played, he was the embodiment of a Manchester United player - fast, skilful, entertaining and determined to win by playing exciting football.

"His progress from the ranks of the famous 'Class of '92' to the most decorated player in this or any club's history is down to his hard work, ability and attitude.

"He is at the start of an exciting new chapter in his and the club's life but now is the right moment to reflect on the achievements of the finest British player of the last 25 years."

PA