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?

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

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. You listen to people who have finished and nothing replaces playing, but I'm still excited about not having to put my body through what I've put it through. And not feeling the disappointment that I feel.

As players, you just play for the club. I love Man United, I'm going to play for Man United, and that's what my focus is on.

If I feel I'm not influencing games, not scoring goals or making goals, then that's the time I'd pack it in.

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