Ryan Giggs to join Champions League centurion club
100 not out for Ryan Giggs in Champions League
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Wednesday, 20, Feb 2008 12:15
Manchester United's veteran winger Ryan Giggs is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance in tonight's second round tie with Lyon.
The 34-year-old will become only the eighth player to reach the century mark, joining an elite group that includes Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf.
Sir Alex Ferguson said he was proud of Giggs, who is expected to start on the left-wing at the Stade Gerland tonight after being rested during the 4-0 FA Cup defeat of Arsenal at the weekend.
"There are only a few players who will reach that milestone in European football," Ferguson told his pre-match press conference.
"It's because of his ability, his longevity, how he prepares himself to have a good lifestyle, and obviously being at a successful club."
Ferguson went on to describe the midfielder as the "absolute model" for younger footballers.
"Even at 34 years of age we expect big, big things of him. Obviously we don't play him in every game, but that's natural for someone of that age," he continued.
"We want to play him in the games that really, really matter to our football club, and one of them is tomorrow.
"Ryan, throughout his time with us, has always reserved his best performances for the biggest occasions. I've said many times about occasions at Old Trafford and the atmosphere, and the great nights we've had there.
"They could only happen because the right type of players are playing on that stage, and Ryan has produced many great moments for us. So it's a great occasion for him, we're all proud of him."
Two more of United's most trusted servants could join Giggs in reaching the 100 Champions League appearances mark in the near future; Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have turned out 97 and 98 times respectively for their club in Europe's premier competition.