Ryan Giggs retires from International Football

Ryan Giggs, the Wales squad captain has confirmed he will retire from international football after Wales' Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff on Saturday. The Manchester United winger, 33, will earn his 64th and final cap against the Czechs but said his decision to end his international career had not been easy. Wales coach John Toshack paid tribute to Giggs' contribution in his 16 years with the international set-up. Ryan Joseph Wilson was born on Nov 29, 1973 in Cardiff. In 1990 he signed as a trainee with Man Utd and later as a professional by the end of the year. In 1991 Ryan Giggs, made his United debut, aged 17, as a substitute against Everton and United beat Red Star Belgrade to lift the Uefa Super Cup. He became the first player to be named PFA Young Player of the Year twice in 1993.

With Giggs retiring from international football, Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, will take over the captain's place. Craig, the 27-year-old has 45 international caps, and has already captained his country in the absence of Giggs. Wales is in Group D with Germany, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Slovakia and San Marino. Germany, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland are the top rivals in the group with 13 points. Slovakia-9 points, Wales- 6 points and Cyprus -4 points.

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