Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs set for 1000th senior game

London: Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs is poised to reach yet another milestone in his extraordinary career this weekend as he stands to make his 1,000th appearance in senior football when the Premier League leaders take on Norwich City. The United legend took his tally of appearances to 999 last weekend at Queens Park Rangers.

The Welshman will turn 40 in November but his United team-mate and right-back Rafael da Silva says the team continue to be astonished by his ability. "He is an unbelievable player," Rafael said. "Every game you see him, he works hard, scores, makes assists. It is getting boring. He is just such a good player.

"He is the same in training; he just loves to play the game. He is one of the top players that I have played with. He gives us experience, confidence, and when you are feeling bad he comes and helps you, especially young players," Rafael added.

Giggs' 999 senrior football appearances include 931 for United, 64 for Wales and four for the British Olympic men's team.

United manager Alex Ferguson ran out of original ways to describe his protege long ago. "I think the superlatives have all been used up," Ferguson said last month. "I don't think he needs any himself. His legacy lives on. He is just a fantastic human being."

His 999 appearances include 931 games for United, 64 for Wales and four for the British Olympic men's football team at last year's London Games. He is the only man to have scored in a remarkable 23 consecutive EPL seasons.

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