Almost 40, but Ryan Giggs never lost the hunger and desire to keep going

Ryan Giggs will become only the third outfield player in Premier League history to play in his 40s after November.

The United veteran reckons that the cash being splashed around for salaries means that players with heaving bank accounts don’t have to push their bodies on for too long anymore.

 But the Reds star, who made his debut in 1991, points to better facilities and sports scientists adding years to many playing CVs.

But there is also a key factor that Giggs has never lost and that is the hunger and desire to keep going. The Welshman says those commodities inevitably play a huge part in extending a career.

And it seems that success plays some part in it all as well.

In the week that Giggs is talking about playing past his 40th birthday later this year his former Old Trafford colleague Ji-sung Park’s future has been thrown into doubt.

The midfielder’s father has suggested the Korean is ready to retire at the end of next season after his move to QPR failed to live up to expectations.

Injuries and Rangers’ scrap against relegation appear to have sucked the enjoyment out of the game for the 32-year-old.

“He’s never had times like this with PSV

Eindhoven or Manchester United,” said Park’s dad. “My son has had difficult times at QPR this season; it was a new experience to him. Ji-sung said it’s difficult to keep his feel for the game as his playing time is inconsistent.”

Almost eight years Giggs’ junior yet one campaign fighting injury, selection and the enjoyment factor has taken its toll on Park.

Giggs knows how fortunate he has been that throughout his 22-year Old Trafford senior career he hasn’t fallen foul of serious long-term injury.

He’s inevitably been on the team sheet for the majority of that time if he’s been fit for selection.

And, of course, being a member of the most successful club in the country at the same time must also make it  easier to get up in a morning.

Giggs believes many others will follow him and play on into their 40s. Possibly only if they are on United’s payroll!