Ryan Giggs, the former manager of the Wales national football team, recently spoke candidly about the heartbreak he experienced when he had to step down from his position. Giggs, who took over the role in 2018 and successfully led Wales to qualify for Euro 2020, was compelled to resign in 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of assault, a charge from which he was later cleared.
The legendary Manchester United winger revealed in an emotional interview on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast’ how challenging it was to watch his team compete in the tournament from afar. Recalling a specific moment during a match, Giggs expressed, “It was heartbreaking… I’m jumping around the front room, and then all of a sudden, I look at the TV, and it’s all the staff and players jumping in the dugout, and I’m gone. Sat down and gone.”
Despite his remarkable career and status as the most decorated player in the history of the Premier League, Giggs shared that he is not bothered by his exclusion from the league’s Hall of Fame. He emphasised that his focus has always been on winning games and trophies rather than individual accolades, stating, “You’re not striving for… Hall of Fames.”
During his tenure as the Wales manager, Giggs oversaw 24 matches, with a success rate of victories in half of them. Under his guidance, Wales achieved their second-ever qualification for the European Championship, advancing to the round of 16 under the interim management of Robert Page, who took over from Giggs.
Robert Page, who led Wales to their first World Cup appearance since 1958 in Qatar in 2022, eventually stepped down from his position last year. The team, however, faced elimination in the group stage of the tournament. Following Page’s departure, former Liverpool and Manchester City star Craig Bellamy was appointed as the new manager of Wales in July.
Giggs’ reflections on his time with the Welsh national team offer a glimpse into the emotional turmoil he experienced during his departure. Despite the challenges he faced, Giggs expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Wales and the joy he found in the victories and progress achieved during his tenure.
The interview with Ryan Giggs on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast’ provides football fans with a deeper insight into the personal struggles and triumphs of one of the sport’s most iconic figures. Giggs’ resilience and dedication to his craft continue to inspire both players and fans alike, earning him a lasting legacy in the world of football.