Giggs on his greatest team-mate and finest moments
Friday, April 7, 2017
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Ryan Giggs has been busy in Cairo this week but there was time for a quick Q&A in which he revealed his toughest opponent, best football memory and sage advice from Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Cairo went crazy for the UEFA Champions League this week, with Manchester United and Wales favourite Ryan Giggs taking the famous prize to the Egyptian capital as part of the 2017 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken.
United's record appearance-maker (just the 963 games) was in fine fettle throughout the two-day stop. When he wasn't busy dazzling locals by stopping for selfies and signing shirts, he was on punditry duty for the final of a local five-a-side tournament.
The two-time UEFA Champions League winner also had time to squeeze in a Q&A with followers of the UEFA Champions League Instagram account. He divulged the best player he'd played with during his garlanded 24-year career, doffed his cap to Javier Zanetti and spoke of his pride watching Wales at UEFA EURO 2016.
Best player you've played with?
It's a tough one but I think I'd definitely go for Cristiano Ronaldo
1999 or 2008?
For the best feeling that I've had on a football pitch I'd have to say 1999.
Has David de Gea's improvement surprised you?
David came and he was young. Goalkeepers usually get better with age and now you see the ability he's got. He's probably up there with the top three best goalkeepers in the world.
Best goal?
For United against Arsenal, semi-final of the FA Cup [in 1999].
Toughest defender?
[Javier] Zanetti, the Argentinian full-back who played for Inter Milan. I played against him a couple of times in 1999.
Favourite food?
Now that I've finished? Everything! I can eat what I want. I like everything and couldn't say one particular food is my favourite.
Best memory on a football pitch?
The final whistle at the Camp Nou when we won the Champions League.
What was it like watching Wales at UEFA EURO 2016?
Just like everyone else in Wales, I was proud. Enjoying it, just couldn't believe they kept getting further and further and in the end had a real chance of winning it.
Best piece of advice you've ever had?
From Sir Alex Ferguson, when he told me that hard work is a talent.
Trophy Tour schedule
20–23 March: Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica
24–25 March: Panama City, Panama
30 March to 1 April: Bogota, Colombia
5–6 April: Cairo, Egypt
10 April: Mumbai, India
12–18 April: Vietnam
