The strange thing is that, for the first time in 29 years, new Manchester United signings won’t experience what the club feels like with Ryan Giggs’ involvement.
The legendary winger has been one of the most loyal servants to any club in footballing history and on July 2, 2016, that involvement came to an end.
Giggs announced on Saturday that he is to walk away from the side that must feel more like home than a place of work.
After almost three decades of service, the Welshman is going to test the waters of management after being offered no more than a bit-part role under new United boss Jose Mourinho.
168 goals, 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cup winners medals and two Champions League trophies later, Giggs is no longer tied to Manchester United.
And his former manager, former teammates and current proteges understandably have nothing but good things to say about the man who lives and breathes Manchester United.
Sir Alex on Giggsy: "His place in history is assured. I doubt we’ll ever see a career like his again." #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/jQm6C32KeZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 2, 2016
Gonna miss this fella.
All great things come to an end I suppose
He's gonna make a top manager
Good luck mate 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/1DH4HFIboT— Michael Carrick (@carras16) July 2, 2016
Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Running down the wing… 🎤 #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/WTPLq8bk1A
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/PhilJones4/status/749252737120993280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Mr @ManUtd. What a career! A fantastic leader, example & inspiration for young players. A true legend! #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/XFqJvykdSc
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) July 2, 2016
I wish you all the best in the future, a Legend but also a great personality! Learned a lot Thanks #GiggsLegend pic.twitter.com/LMUYiZ1c6n
— Daley Blind (@BlindDaley) July 2, 2016
Always was and always will be a legend, can't thank him enough for what he has done for me. 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/eIZKAiVBzd
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 2, 2016
Thank you for everything, for your trust and leadership. I learned a lot from you ! #legendforever pic.twitter.com/FGxbnCZD2k
— Adnan Januzaj (@adnanjanuzaj) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/marcosrojo5/status/749268099443154944
It has been a great honor to learn from such a football legend like you. I wish you all the best #Giggs #Legend pic.twitter.com/WWbnqCjXAP
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) July 2, 2016