Exclusive Ryan Giggs interview! - 26/05/09

Exclusive Ryan Giggs interview! - 26/05/09

Despite trying out his new Reebok Instante football boots and going through final preparations before departing for Rome, Ryan Giggs still had time for his SoccerBible fans! We sat down and interviewed the Manchester United legend to get the lowdown on the player, the boots, and another great season...

SoccerBible was invited to a secret location where Ryan Giggs was trying out his new Reebok Instante football boots for the first time, a new speed boot he will debut during the Champions League final.

SoccerBible: Congratulations on winning the Premier League and Player of Year, how does it feel?

Ryan Giggs: Winning the Premier League was a good a feeling as ever. It s a special occasion, an occasion to savour. Having been there before it helps you take in the whole occasion rather them the moment passing you by.

SB: Targets for the future beyond this season?

R To keep playing as long as possible, and playing well.

SB: What is it about your game and style that has helped you be one of footballs best attacking players?

R I am in a fortunate position that I play at Manchester United. The size and quality of the squad, the quality players around me makes the job easier. Over the years I have been able to adapt my game and on top of that I have had good luck and avoided any serious injuries.

SB: Since you started playing has boot technology influenced your game?

R In recent times the focus seems to have become the weight of boots, this means performance synthetics have been the focus. Having synthetics in the boot helps retain the boot s shape better and for longer, which is a big plus. Having said all that I am not averse to playing in the odd leather boot, like the original Sprintfit. The comfort is without question…but you need to change them quite frequently to keep the tightness and the support.

SB: Do you have personalisation on your football boots, and what does it mean?

R I have tended not to bother with personalisation, although I did do it with Reebok for the Champions league final last year. By coincidence the Champions League final was the game when I broke Bobby Charlton s appearance record, so it was nice to have the 759 and Moscow on the boot.

SB: Do you keep a boot collection at home; do you have a memorable pair you have kept? R Not really, I haven t got the space! I am pretty sure that the United museum has the odd pair. SB: Is there an element of boot rivalry at your club, players trying to out-do each other with style, as we've seen both Rooney and Ronaldo wear quite outlandish boots? R I wouldn t say there is a rivalry, although when there is a new boot out then most of the lads are interested to see what its like. Like in most things the younger players seem to take more interest… and with that go more bold colours! SB: Which player, past or present would you most like to play alongside? R I have been so lucky to play alongside some of the greatest players from Cantona, Scholes, Rooney, Ronaldo …the list is endless, but if I had to pick one it would be Bryan Robson. When I was growing up, and in my early years at United Bryan was my hero, he played the game with so much passion, energy and quality.

SB: Away from Old Trafford do you have a favourite ground to play at, and why?

R I have been so lucky to play at all the top arenas across Europe, from the Bernabeu to the San Siro. On the home front, I would need to pick Anfield. The atmosphere is always impressive, and given the healthy local rivalry, it is always a game of significance.

SB: Looking ahead to Champions League what attributes of yours and United's game can you impose on Barcelona?

R It will be a fantastic game, Barcelona are a quality side. Without doubt both teams have an abundance of world class players who can single handily turn the game within minutes, but I would say the advantage lies with ourselves due to the fact that we have a strong defensive unit.

SB: Finally, having played against him for many years in the Premier League, are you looking forward to playing against fellow Reebok boots wearer Henry?

R Yes the plans are that we will both be wearing the new Instante boot. He will wear the Black version and its Royal blue for me. To play against him is always good as that means it s the clash of two very good teams. It s been a couple of years, but before that 6/7 years of healthy competition. Having said that it s only good if we beat him!

After the interview Ryan kindly signed a pair of the Cobalt Blue Instante Pro boots, currently enjoying pride of place at the SoccerBible HQ - it is not often you get a chance to meet one of the true greats of the modern game after all!