Giggs named captain of British Olympic team

London: Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs was named captain of Britain's Olympic football team on Sunday, coach Stuart Pearce turning to David Beckham's former team-mate after cutting the Los Angeles Galaxy star.

The 38-year-old Welshman was one of three overage players included in Britain's final 18-man Olympic squad by Pearce last week at the expense of former England captain Beckham.

Beckham was a contender to skipper the team at the London Games before his surprise exclusion. Despite having never played in an international tournament before, Giggs has vast experience.

Giggs was one of three overage players included in Britain\'s final 18-man Olympic squad.

He has won 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies with United and earned 64 caps for Wales before retiring from international football in 2007.

Giggs, compatriot Craig Bellamy and England defender Micah Richards were the three players over the age of 23 in Britain's squad, as allowed by Olympic rules. The remainder was a mix of England under-21 internationals and Welsh players.

"Obviously, I have experience and there are a lot of younger players in this squad. As captain, hopefully I can pass that on to them," Giggs said.

Britain's football team faces Brazil in a friendly on July 20 ahead of its return to the Olympics after an absence of more than 50 years. The last time Britain competed at the Olympics was at the 1960 Rome Games.

Britain faces Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay in Group A at the Olympics, with its first game on July 26, the day before the opening ceremony.

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