Ryan Giggs finally welcomes Jose Mourinho to Manchester United as he confirms his exit after 29 years
Old Trafford legend said leaving was a 'huge decision' and that he won't step into management yet
RYAN GIGGS finally welcomed Jose Mourinho to Manchester United - but confirmed his exit after 29 years.
The Welsh Wizard lauded the Portuguese as a "proven winner at the very highest level" even though his arrival has caused Giggs to leave Old Trafford.
Giggs said: "I want to congratulate Jose Mourinho on his appointment as manager of the world's biggest club.
"There are only a handful of proven winners at the very highest level and Jose is unquestionably one of them.
"I know the fans will welcome him."
Rui Faria, Mourinho's right-hand man, will take over the assistant manager role given to Britain's most decorated player under Louis van Gaal.
And it was to the Dutchman and Sir Alex Ferguson, the leading figure at United throughout Giggs' career, that the Welshman paid special tribute - whilst snubbing David Moyes.
He said: "I've been extremely fortunate in having two great managerial mentors; first in Sir Alex, who I've spent the majority of my life working with and learning from and who I believe will remain as football's greatest-ever manager and in more recent times, Louis van Gaal, whose CV speaks for itself.
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"The knowledge I have gleaned from them has been invaluable."
Giggs knew his time was up when Old Trafford chiefs opted for Mourinho over him, having been groomed for the top job through the years of Fergie, David Moyes and van Gaal.
He admitted the decision was "huge" - but has no immediate plans to step into management.
He said: "It is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14.
"It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I'll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future.
"However, the time feels right and, although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be."
Giggs also thanked the fans for their "phenomenal" support but reiterated it is time for a "new chapter and a new challenge."
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Ryan's place in the history of Manchester United is assured.
"He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future. He will be missed but always welcome at Manchester United."