Manchester United fans have had a great question in their minds for decades. "Who is the greatest player of their club?" Well, it has been put to a rest at least for this time being.
The Club's official magazine "Inside United" shortlisted some of the obvious greats like Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Denis Law.
But, the man who was voted as the greatest by the fans of the club was none other than the man who has conquered the wings of the football pitch for the better part of two decades, Ryan Joseph Giggs.
How can you ever describe this mercurial talent of Manchester United?
When asked about this Giggs said, "I'd go for Scholesy as the club's greatest player.” His modesty is probably one the reasons why fans across the world admire him.
Ryan Giggs' career is something that every player would want for himself. After all, he is the most decorated player in the history of English football. 11 premier League titles, four FA cups, three League cups and two Champions League medals as well as dozens of personal awards.
More importantly, he also has the BBC sports personality of the year, PFA Player of the year in 2009 and a royal OBE.
Giggs has successfully completed two decades of Senior football at Manchester United, a record which is very unlikely to be broken given the fact that most players today are always looking for better things.
It is a curious fact that if Sir Alex Ferguson hadn't persuaded Giggs to join United when he was 14, he would have ended up playing for Manchester City.
When he was 17, he came on as a substitute for Dennis Irwin against Everton. It was his debut at the senior level and the game when the Welshman first witnessed one of its greatest footballing sons. After two weeks, he scored his first ever goal against bitter rivals, Manchester City.
Two years later, Giggs is still a very vital part of the United setup. He may not play the full length of the game but he leaves a mark when he plays. A sudden moment of midfield spark, a beautiful run and an assist all these are guaranteed to happen when Giggs is on the pitch.
United will find it very difficult to replace this Welsh wizard when he hangs up his boots.
Even today, Sir Alex can't stop praising him.
“Ryan has shown by sacrifice what can be achieved. He is a model of how to carry yourself, both as a footballer and a human being,” said Ferguson.
Giggs is blessed with impeccable skill, balance, finesse and dribbling. Although he is a natural winger, he has grown into a mature central midfielder during the recent past.
Who can ever forget that wonderful run against Arsenal in that FA cup semifinal during the treble winning campaign of 1999? Giggs won the ball on the halfway line, went on and on, defeated 7 players and finally netted the ball.
Many player may come and go out of Manchester United. But this prodigal son who has never ever obtained a red card in his career will be the greatest who ever lived!