Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs admits his glittering career could come to an end in May, at the age of 35.
The Red Devils midfielder is set to see his current contract at Old Trafford reach its conclusion at the climax of the 2008/09 campaign.
With no new terms on the table the Welshman admits that, after 19 years of loyal service to the reigning Premier League champions, he may be forced to hang up his boots.
"I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me," Giggs told The Sun.
"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring.
"It could be at the end of this season. Or it could be the next one. I am at the end of my contract in May, so we will see. At the minute, there hasn't been any contact with United.
"I am as fit as I have ever been. The only difference is recovering from games.
"Two days after a game, I am still tired. Before, I could play Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday no problem.
"Today, I would be a lot less efficient at doing things. Nowadays, I only play once a week, it's very good that way."
Giggs has won every possible trophy during his time at United, with 10 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns representing the pinnacle of his achievements.
He admits that he would slip into retirement as a contented man, should he be forced to do so, with age having mellowed him and allowed him to appreciate how fortunate he has been.
Giggs added: "Today, victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger, because I know that they could be the last ones.
"The Champions League win last season made me a lot happier than in 1999, for instance.
"I am lot more confident than I was before. My relation to stress has changed over the years.
"When I was first in the first team, at 17 or 18, I felt no pressure at all. Nothing. It lasted for three to four years.
"Then things changed, injuries happened, I had poor games, and suddenly I started feeling the pressure. It weighed on my game.
"But since I turned 30, I don't think about anything any more, there's no pressure."


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Your Comments
Takhar7 (Manchester United fan)
"Every time I see, read, or hear Giggs and retirement mentioned together it upsets be greatly. Like a lot of people Giggsy was a massive reason as to why I got into football in the first place. Though it will be sad to see him go, we should not mourn the Welshman but celebrate everything he brought to football, everything he achieved, and what he meant to Manchester United football club.
Anyway - he's got a lot to offer yet. I wouldn't have said that last season, but this season at times he's been superb. There's no rush out the door, and he will be here next season I'm sure of it. "
thefrankdrebben (Manchester United fan)
"One of the great things about football is that you can always remember the great players that have come and gone and the affect that they have had on your life. I remember being upset when Zidane retired because i would never see him play again. While Giggs is no Zidane, he is a true gentleman, a united legend and a great player that i will miss dearly when i never see him wear the red devils kit anymore. He should really be an example to all big-name players on how to conduct themselves. Thanks for everything Giggsy!!"
irishfool (Manchester United fan)
"he has bee na credit to the game and think when that sad day comes when he does retire man utd should put up a statue to go alond with best, charlton, and law, because he is a manchester united legend"
veronimo (Manchester United fan)
"gotta give props to the fans from other clubs taking the time to write in with good things abt other clubs' legends like giggsy. nice to see that true professionals have the ability to rise up above the petty mudslinging and be recognised for what they are and what they bring to the game. i feel the same way abt stevie g and lamps - players who epitomise their respective team and you love to hate, but only because you want them on your team too. as for giggsy - 10 premierships and 2 champions league medals - with the same club, nothing more need be said. legend. "
pr1celess (Chelsea fan)
"I have a huge amount of respect for Giggs. Much like Scholes he has kept out of the media spotlight and has been a truly brilliant player. I remember being asked who I would most like Chelsea to sign at the start of the 1997-98 season and he got my vote. I would be happy if we signed him now! Has adapted his game to suit modern football and how fitting that it was his goal which sealed the league for United last season. LEGEND."
johnt27 (Manchester City fan)
"Most committed player that Manure have had in the last 20 years. The likes of Downing should take a leaf out of his book. Great player, true gentleman. Will be missed."
MikeMacca7 (Liverpool fan)
"Truly frightening when he was a teenager... I hope he bows out at the top. Giggsy, Scholes, Becks, Butt, and yes, even the Nevilles are true legends of the game that I grew up hating, but have now come to have the utmost respect for. "
kevin2513 (Manchester United fan)
"giggsy you are a legend but i think youd show alot of respect for yourself to retire this year! next year well have hargreaves, carrick, fletcher, anderson & scholes for cm. well also have park, nani, tosic & ronaldo for the wing so i dont see where youre going to get the 20-odd games you want! I think his time is up as his impact in games is way too low & his statue is already guarnteed along with fergie"
hongiboy (Arsenal fan)
"Thank god for Giggs !!!!
He is an insperation for all young players and has an incredible personal record of achivement.
Always enjoyd seeing him playing and see him do amazing things.
He will be missed when he retires."
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