Giggs is simply the best for Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Ryan Giggs as "probably one of the greatest players of all time" as the Manchester United FC manager reflected on the career of the man last week named the Professional Footballers' Association's Player of the Year.

'Once in a lifetime'
Now in his 19th season, Giggs remains a key figure for United. He made his club record 800th appearance in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final and scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win at Middlesbrough FC on Saturday that maintained their lead atop the Premier League. "You get players who come along and you say 'They are once in a lifetime players'; I would say Ryan Giggs is that," Sir Alex said.

'Magic moments'
"He came into that team on his 17th birthday and now he's been operating up and down that wing for nearly 20 years. The endurance factor, his sustainability, is incredible. But not only that, he's created moments of magic throughout those 20 years. Even at 35 years of age he produces moments where you say to yourself: 'How does he do that at 35?' I think he is probably one of the greatest players of all time."

'Desire'
The statistics back that up, with Giggs looking to win his eleventh league and third UEFA Champions League title this month. "He is blessed with great natural fitness and athleticism, and also with that great desire and urge to always want to do it," Sir Alex continued. "The demands and expectation put on footballers these days is enormous and it can affect people's attitude towards the game. When you see Ryan, he's never changed. What makes a great player like Ryan Giggs is something that maybe we can't describe, it's maybe a dynamo or an engine deep inside that can do it all the time and it's a rarity really. To be 35 years of age and still be competing at the highest level of European competition is extraordinary."

'Expressive'
Sir Alex could almost have been speaking for himself when referring to that "engine deep inside". The 67-year-old has won all there is to win during his 23 years as United manager, but like Giggs his passion remains undimmed. "It's quite straight forward," he said. "I enjoy getting up in the morning, I like getting up early, I like coming in here, and I like watching the players in training; I've never lost that. I've always thought about football as a game to express yourself. It's not just a mundane exercise, not about getting through the Saturday and saying we won 1-0. To me it's more than that. It's about getting players to express themselves to their best. I've always been very fortunate to have players all through my career, even at Aberdeen, who were very expressive in their football."

'Bit jealous'
The inspiration of working with a player like Giggs is matched by Sir Alex's determination to make United the dominant force in Europe. Though Sir Alex led United to their second European Champion Clubs' Cup title in 1999 and a third last season, their European achievements are still eclipsed by the likes of Real Madrid CF, AC Milan and Liverpool FC. It is a situation that rankles the Scot who is driven to redress the balance. "I've always said we've never won it enough times. It irks me when I look at Bayern who have won it four times, Liverpool have won it five times, Ajax have won it four times, Milan have won it seven times, Real Madrid have won it nine times ... Sometimes I get a bit jealous; we should have done better in the Champions League. This year we have an opportunity to get to four and hopefully we won't miss it."

'Natural energies'
Sir Alex's longevity is remarkable. He started in management with East Stirlingshire FC aged 32, and 35 years on he has no intention of stepping down any time soon. "I did [think about it] a few years ago but I knew it was a mistake and changed my mind, and I never think I will want to again. I've put it to the back of my mind because I'm enjoying the job. I'm at the right club, I have been fortunate enough to have been at the right club, and I think the drive and the demand you get here to always be at the top is good for me." It is clearly good for United too.

Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking to UEFA Champions League Weekly, the official television programme of the UEFA Champions League.