Giggs shocked to join legends club

Published Dec. 14, 2009 8:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

Giggs, the most decorated player in English football history with a record 11th Premier League winners' medal, beat Formula One champion and bookies favourite Jenson Button to the 2009 award, while world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis finished third. The 36-year-old Manchester United winger said: "The names of genuine legends of world sport are on this trophy. I never dreamed I would win it. "I was honestly surprised just to be on the list of nominees. "I have been lucky enough to win a lot of things in my career, playing with great players and under the greatest manager that ever lived, and playing for the greatest club. "This is up there with all of that. I grew up watching this TV programme and to see all the people who have won it and to be up there with them, it's unbelievable.'' Giggs is the first footballer to win the award since David Beckham in 2001, and the Welshman is to hold discussions with manager Sir Alex Ferguson about a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season. "I might have to put this trophy on the table - if I'm struggling!'' added Giggs. "It was the first I had heard of it the other day so I was quite pleased. "My contract ends at the end of the year but hopefully there will be another year after that.'' Giggs gained 29.4% of a public vote on the night - 151,842 people voted for him. The other votes were: Button 96,770; Ennis 80,469; cyclist Mark Cavendish 55,960; gymnast Beth Tweddle 38,907; world diving champion Tom Daley 36,929; tennis star Andy Murray 19,936; England cricket captain Andrew Strauss 17,237; world heavyweight boxing champion David Haye 13,916; world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu 4,507.