LONDON: Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs will captain the Great Britain football team at London 2012 – and the Manchester United veteran believes he may soon be adding an Olympic gold medal to his long list of honours.
The 38-year-old, one of three overage players, will be making his first appearance at a major tournament this summer after a lengthy and hugely successful club career at Manchester United.
The highly-decorated Welshman is proud to be representing Britain at the Games and believes he may well soon have another medal to add to his collection.
“Obviously it is a tremendous honour to be part of the Olympics,” he said. “Stuart has obviously given me the captaincy, which is even better so I am really looking forward to it. “It is a unique experience and one from the start that I wanted to be part of when I got the opportunity.
“I think it just got more and more exciting as the Games got nearer and then when the squads were announced I was obviously really, really proud to be involved. We hope we can get gold. That is what the players are hoping for. The players are winners and want to do well. You want that gold medal.
“It is going to be tough because a lot of the other nations have picked good players and have got good team. It is going to be tough, but we have a good chance.”
Giggs had been expected to feature for Team GB alongside former United team-mate David Beckham this summer, but LA Galaxy midfielder was conspicuous by his absence when the squad was unveiled.
“It is disappointing for David, obviously not being involved,” Giggs said of his omission.
“As a friend I am disappointed for him but as a player you just get on with it and just try to enjoy the experience and that is what I am trying to do.”
Giggs was also quick to turn attention back to football when asked about the politics surrounding Team GB.
Much had been made of the reluctance of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish associations to give their blessing to the unified GB team.
As it is, no players have been selected from Scotland or Northern Ireland, although five Welshman, including Giggs, have included in the 18-man squad.
“All I have seen [is what is] in the press, really,” Giggs said. “As a player and a Welshman, I just wanted to involved. Just like the Welsh lads involved, they’re Welsh but we just wanted an opportunity to play for Great Britain in an Olympics on home turf so I think it was a chance we couldn’t turn down.
“It was one we’re excited about and if other people want to disagree with then that’s their prerogative, but as a player I am excited and can’t wait.”
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