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Page last updated at 08:01 GMT, Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Ryan Giggs says 'no' to Wales-England return

Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs won 64 caps for Wales before retiring in 2007

Ryan Giggs has ruled out a Wales return - as a player or coach - for the Euro 2012 qualifier against England on Saturday, 26 March.

It was suggested the Manchester United and 64-cap Wales legend, 37, could be tempted out of international retirement by new Wales manager Gary Speed.

But asked if he would play against England, Giggs said: "I won't be taking my boots, no."

He added: "I don't think I will get involved in coaching."

"But I spoke to Gary and he said if there was any help I could give..." Giggs continued.

"I'm down there anyway with my family so I will probably go to speak to him.

"I played with Gary and I want what he wants - a successful Welsh team.

"I won't be doing anything with a ball but I will probably go down a couple of days before."

Giggs retired from international football in 2007 in order to concentrate on his club career.

It is a decision which cannot be faulted with the player continuing to maintain a high standard with United both domestically and in Europe.

Wednesday will mark 20 years since Giggs made his debut for United with whom he has won 11 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, countless other trophies, some significant, some less so, and made 863 appearances.

And in the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge Giggs made his 606th league appearance as a second-half substitute to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record for Manchester United.

Giggs also seems unlikely to move into coaching in the very near future having agreed a new one-year contract at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.

There has been a clamour in Wales since the departure of former manager John Toshack last year for Giggs to return to bolster a national side which has struggled for results.

Giggs was the early favourite to replace Toshack who stepped down in September before United boss Sir Alex Ferguson quickly poured cold water on such a move.

But when Speed was later appointed, the ex-Wales captain said he wanted to get Giggs involved.

"He's very keen, but obviously he's got his hands full at the moment with Manchester United," Speed said in January.

"But I'm sure Ryan will be knocking around the place, hopefully, now and again."



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see also
Giggs signs new Man Utd contract
18 Feb 11 |  Man Utd
No full-time Wales role for Giggs
31 Jan 11 |  Welsh
Giggs tells of managerial hopes
03 Oct 10 |  Welsh
Giggs ruled out as new Wales boss
10 Sep 10 |  Welsh
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales


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