Ferdinand: I had a video of 'phenomenal' Giggs when I was a kid
Published 12:39 14/02/12 By MirrorFootball
Rio Ferdinand has described Ryan Giggs' longevity as "phenomenal" as the Welshman prepares to make his 900th appearance for Manchester United.
Rio has been a team-mate of Giggs for nearly a decade, but has revealed he used to have a video of the former Wales skipper when he was at school.
"I had videos of Giggs versus John Barnes and George Best versus Diego Maradona," said Ferdinand.
"I used to watch them all the time.
"I particularly remember Giggsy scoring a goal against QPR where he danced past a couple of defenders and smashed it in.
"And then there was that curly hair.
"He is a great player. When he first came into the Premier League he was like a breath of fresh air.
"To watch him continue where he started as a youngster is fantastic."
Giggs, 38, has just been rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will take his stellar career into a staggering 22nd season.
And Rio says Giggs remains one of the fittest players at United.
"He has been blessed with a tremendous physique," said Ferdinand.
"He is not carrying any weight, he's not had any serious injuries and he manages himself really well.
"To have that many appearances at one club is phenomenal. Words can't describe how great that is."
And, as Ferdinand acknowledges, Giggs is still capable of those inspired moments that have pockmarked his career and ensure he remains one of the most influential players at the club.
"There is no reduction in his talent," said the England defender.
"He is still one of the better players in training.
"In the games he's one of the best too. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in midfield.
"That tells you he is not getting in because of who he is or what he's done - he's getting in the team on merit."
