Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs claimed that his “hardest” opponent of all time had “everything” as a defender and “broke” his nose during their encounter on the pitch.
A famed member of the ‘Class of ’92,’ Ryan Giggs rose through the ranks of the Manchester United youth academy before breaking into the club’s first team.
The 50-year-old Welshman spent his entire legendary playing career at Old Trafford and spent the majority of his time under Sir Alex Ferguson’s tutelage.
Giggs made a whopping 961 appearances for United – a club record to this day – and scored 167 times and registered 254 assists for the Red Devils.
The former United star enjoyed a trophy-laden career, with Giggs lifting 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and four League Cups.
Giggs called it time on his legendary playing career in 2014 and previously served as a player-coach under David Moyes and as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal.
The United legend, who co-owns Salford City and has a new role at the club, has been out of management since he stepped down as Wales boss in 2022.
Giggs named his toughest opponent
Speaking to the MUTV Group Chat, Ryan Giggs opened up about his Manchester United career and his encounter with one “tough” legendary former player.
The former Wales manager was a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic squad that won a famous continental treble in the 1998-99 season.
During the treble-winning campaign, United defeated Inter Milan 2-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals before the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw in the return leg.
Giggs found himself in a heated battle with Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti during one of the Champions League clashes in the treble-winning season.
The United legend admitted that Javier Zanetti broke his nose during the quarter-finals against Inter, with Giggs calling him the “hardest player” he played against.
“The hardest player I played against was [Javier] Zanetti from Inter Milan,” he said in 2020, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“He ran all day and he used to be a midfielder so he was comfortable on the ball, he could defend, he was tough and he actually broke my nose in the quarter-finals against them.
“He had everything as a defender.”
Giggs and Zanetti recalled their battle
Zanetti had a legendary playing career with Serie A side Inter and the Argentine former full-back, much like Giggs, retired from professional football in 2014.
The 50-year-old, who is currently the vice president of Inter, lifted five Serie A titles, a Champions League and four Coppa Italias during his prolific spell at the club.
During a Q&A in 2014 on Twitter, now known as X, Giggs reminded ex-Argentina international Zanetti of their last-eight encounter in the Champions League.
“I remember our own personal duel,” Zanetti said at the time.
“You are one of the toughest opponents I have ever played against!”
