Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named Professional
Footballers' Association Player of the Year - the first time he has
won the award in his glittering career.
The 35-year-old had picked up the young player's award twice and
has now been voted for the top accolade by his fellow professionals
following his exemplary season, which looks likely to end with his
11th Premier League title.
"It's right up there, with personal accolades it's the best to have
as it's voted by your fellow players,'' Giggs said.
"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young
player award twice, but this is the big one.''
Giggs has only started 12 league games this season but has been a
regular in the squad for all competitions, with the award
acknowledging the respect he has from opponents.
If he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final
first leg this week, it will be his 800th appearance for United,
although the landmark is not as important to him as adding to his
trophy haul.
"It's an exciting season,'' he said. "I think it is going to go
right to the wire, there's big game after big game now. That is
what you want and need at a club like Manchester United.''
Giggs paid tribute to his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also
suggested he may play on beyond his current contract, which expires
at the end of next season.
"The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met
him when I was 13,'' Giggs said.
"That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our
relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.
"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many
great teams, it's not even worth thinking about what it would have
been like without the manager.''
The Welshman has started taking his coaching badges, which may be a
hint at the future, but he added: "As long as I'm getting picked,
enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35
you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't.''
Ryan Giggs with his trophy for PFA Players Player of
the Year (right) and Ashley Young with his trophy for Young Player
of the Year
Aston Villa winger Ashley Young picked up the Young Player of the
Year award and believes it is a sign of the progress his club have
made this season.
"It's a massive achievement for the club and my team-mates around
me,'' Young said. "It's a great honour and I'm delighted.''
John McDermott, the former Grimsby player who spent 20 years at the
club, was given the Merit award for his services to the game.
"I thought it was one of the lads winding me up, a real shock,'' he
said. "To still be recognised, I was flattered and honoured.''
The PFA divisional team of the year has six United players and also
included Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was in goalscoring
form until the votes were cast but has not found the net since
February. Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson was also included.
Premier League team of the year: Van der Sar, G Johnson, Ferdinand,
Vidic, Evra, A Young, Gerrard, Giggs, Ronaldo, Anelka, Torres
