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.”

According to Foxsports