giggs is happy

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs admits he feels 'fresher' for his retirement from international football.


Giggs quit playing for Wales at the end of last season in an attempt to prolong his distinguished club career with United.

Having missed the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Slovakia, Giggs concedes it was 'strange' not to be involved.

However, the 33-year-old remains convinced that he made the right decision in calling time on his international commitments.

"It was strange for me this week because this is the first double-header I have missed since I retired," said Giggs.


Absolutely brilliant

"If I had still be playing, I would have come back to Slovakia on Wednesday night and landed in Cardiff in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"Instead, I have had 10 days' training and I do feel fresher, which was the plan."

The former Wales captain admitted he was impressed by his country's 5-2 win in Slovakia on Wednesday.

He added: "I watched the game in Slovakia on Wednesday and it was absolutely brilliant.

"Craig Bellamy was on fire. It was a great result and a bit of revenge for what Slovakia did to us in Cardiff."