I had my footballing heroes such as Bryan Robson and Diego Maradona but my dad was a rugby league star, and he was my real hero. But the relationship with my mum was rocky and we saw things that would affect any youngster.

There's never been completion in my football career because I've always been striving for that next thing.

I do not wish to hide my origins, nor do I seek to make it a subject of conversation. I am what I am.

Where I grew up, people obviously knew my dad because it's a small place and he was the top player for Swinton - they'd go and watch him play, see him in the papers, so they knew he was black.

I have played with some great players during my time at United but I would have to put Paul Scholes down as the best.

Many players want to make as much money as they can and change teams for ten grand. How is that going to make much difference to their lives?

I actually don't feel the years passing, although the younger players make sure to remind me of my age. If there's a clip of Bobby Charlton playing or a game's in black and white they'll ask: Were you playing in that Giggsy?