Happy birthday Ryan Giggs

Contrary to popular belief, Ryan Giggs could not have chosen to play for the England football team. He played for the England Schools team because he was at school in England (all England schoolboys are eligible no matter what their nationality) but he was born in Cardiff of Welsh parents whose parents were Welsh.

To play a team sport other than rugby union at an international level for Wales is to wear a crown of thorns, but Ryan has shown the same undemonstrative dedication to Wales that he has shown to Manchester United.

While he is the most decorated Red Devils player ever, having won eight Premier League championships, one Champions League and four FA Cup titles, he will never win any silverware for his country. Yet against Brazil in September this year he was finally able to show that, even at 33 years old, he is still the equal of any player in the best team in the world.

Penblwydd hapus, Ryan.