Giggs takes United career into 23rd season

Ryan Giggs has extended his career into a 23rd season at Old Trafford after signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United FC.

The 38-year-old midfielder, who inked his first professional deal in 1990 and made his debut in March the following year, is now contracted to United until the summer of 2013.

Giggs is the most decorated current player in English football having won 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two UEFA Champions League crowns, two English League Cups and a UEFA Super Cup. He has scored 162 goals in 898 appearances for the Red Devils.

"When I signed my first contract, I never thought I'd be able to play at United for 22 years, but I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours," said Giggs. "Winning the club's 19th title was a great feeling but this club is all about what we do next and I'm really pleased I can be part of that."

The former Wales winger's manager throughout, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "Ryan is a marvellous player. In many ways he epitomises all my teams here at United – he has constantly reinvented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success.

"In every training session and match, he is the example for others to follow. The young players in the dressing room have a great chance to learn from a player who will continue to break records that anyone in the game will find hard to beat."

United take on AFC Ajax in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 with the first leg in Amsterdam on 16 February before the return at Old Trafford on 23 February.