CELEBRITY Reds fans and Old Trafford idols paid tribute
to Ryan Giggs at a star-studded premiere of a film about his
life.
"Ryan Giggs - True Red", takes an in-depth look at the winger's
stellar 17 years as a professional at Manchester United.
The film, soon to be released as a DVD, was launched at the
Odeon in the Printworks, and drew stars from the worlds of
football, pop, and television.
As the guests made their way up the red carpet, fans lined the
barriers, clamouring for a glimpse of their idols.
The event had all the atmosphere of a party in honour of Giggs'
unique achievements.
And the guest list was not simply a who's who of the Manchester
United first team with celebrity fans including Ian Brown, Angus
Deayton and Peter Hook joining the fray.
But the club was also out in force with Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo,
Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Nani, Patrice Evra, Nemanja
Vidic, Park Ji-Sung, Dimitar Berbatov, Owen Hargreaves, Jonny
Evans, John O'Shea Michael Carrick all in attendance.
Looking back to his days as YTS trainee at the club, Ryan told
the MEN: "Back then I could never have dreamed what my career would
be like. At that age, I just wanted to get onto the first team and
had no idea I would spend 17 years at the club. My years at United
have been unbelievable, I've been fortunate to play in such a
successful period for the side.
"When people mention my names alongside the club's legends it
does feel great, especially for someone like me who moved to
Salford at the age of seven, grew up in the area, played for
Salford Boys and then for Manchester United. You can't describe
it."
The Reds' heroes of today were joined by their chief executive
David Gill, and former captain Bryan Robson, who said: "Ryan hasn't
just made a great contribution to the club, but also to football.
For any young kids who want to be a professional football, Ryan is
the one to look up to."
Among the stars to stop and chat was Nemanja Vidic, who said:
"It's a pleasure to know Ryan - he's great player and a great
person."
Joking that 'all the best Manchester bands support Manchester
United', rock star Ian Brown told the MEN: "Ryan Giggs is the
greatest player Manchester United has ever had. There's no-one like
Ryan. He's what footballers ought to be - a proper role model for
kids as boy and man. The sheer number of games he's played for the
club speaks volumes."
Liam Fray, of the Courteeners, is another rock star fan of
Ryan's.
The singer said: "Ryan has been an inspiration to everyone at
the club. I was a ball boy for United as a kid and Ryan was a true
gentleman, the model professional and a great ambassador for the
club."
TV stars Angus Deayton, Max Beesley and Cleveland Campbell were
also at the premiere, alongside Michael Le Vell, Coronation
Street's Kevin Webster. Former Royle Family star Ralf Little, who
stars in new show Massive, narrates 'True Red'.
The actor told the MEN: "I'm a Red so it was a great honour to
work on the film. The effect Ryan has had on the club can't be
measured.
"Any time they've had a bad run, it's usually because they are
missing Ryan Giggs. So many people in the modern game have a lot of
attitude but Ryan is someone who has achieved so much and yet is an
incredibly humble, easygoing guy."
Will Mellor, soon to appear in new BBC show Merlin, said: "It's
about time they got 'True Red' out on DVD because that's exactly
what he is. I'm a bit gutted they asked Ralf Little and not me to
do the DVD."