Manchester United boss David Moyes has hailed Ryan Giggs' longevity and does not believe he is thinking about retirement just yet.
Giggs will celebrate his 40th birthday next Friday, but the Welshman remains an integral member of United's playing squad, despite also taking on a coaching role in the summer after Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.
The midfielder, who could make his 952nd appearance for United against hometown club Cardiff City, has impressed Moyes since the former Everton manager took charge at Old Trafford.
Moyes appears open-minded on the prospect of Giggs being able to play on next season and he has praised his continued contribution to the Premier League champions.
"He's a specimen, an incredibly fit lad," Moyes is quoted in The Observer.
"The Premier League has seen some outstanding players but because of his ability and his longevity Ryan has to be just about the best. If you conducted a poll among the players I would be surprised if Ryan didn't come out on top.
"Having seen him at close quarters and got to work with him these last few months I can't imagine how good he must have been in his prime. In a way I wonder if he has actually got better with maturity, the way he sees the game a bit more.
"It's great for us because he is someone we can fit in any time. We can use him as a midfield player, behind the striker, out wide, almost anywhere because of his intelligence.
"Ryan knows he isn't going to play in all the games at his age but he accepts that. He has made the first step into coaching and management and sometimes once you do that it becomes easy to decide you have had enough of playing.
"But Ryan doesn't look as if he is at that point yet, so who knows? He doesn't look like a 40-year-old man either.
"I felt I needed him at the start of the season for his experience and because I was just starting out here but he trained well, looked in good shape and played well.
"You only have to see him in training to know he is still a terrific player. Some of the stuff he does every day you just marvel at."
