Ryan Giggs retires to become assistant manager under Louis van Gaal at United

With the announcement that Louis van Gaal will become the new manager of Manchester United after the World Cup finally made official Monday, many were interested to learn the fate of club legend Ryan Giggs.

The Welshman served as the Red Devils' interim manager in the aftermath of David Moyes' firing, and was expected by many to remain on the staff when the Dutchman assumed control.

United confirmed that to be the case, as the initial announcement of Van Gaal's signing was supplanted with the news that Giggs would work as his assistant.

But what of his legendary playing career? We now have the answer.

Thanking those who he worked with during his superlative career at Old Trafford, the 40-year-old had this to say of his decision to hang up his boots:

I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times. My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and although it saddens me to know I won’t be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt and appreciated your support.

The numbers compiled by the Welshman over his remarkable 23-year career at Manchester United are nothing short of staggering.

• 963 appearances
• 168 goals
• 13 Premier League titles
• 4 FA Cups
• 4 League Cups
• 2 Champions League titles

Incredible.