Soccer AM

Giggs: loved the atmosphere of a match day

We all love football. But why?

This week Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs speaks about his love of the game and reveals his boyhood heroes

WHO DID YOU SUPPORT AS A KID...
I supported United when I was younger. I remember looking out for Mickey Thomas because he was Welsh and left footed and he instantly stood out for me.

MY FOOTBALLING HEROES WERE...
My heroes were probably Bryan Robson and Ian Rush. John Barnes was another one I always looked out for because he was left footed and played in my position on the left wing and he liked to take people on.

MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT MATCHDAY WAS...
I think just the atmosphere. The atmosphere in the Stretford End - being part of a big crowd stood up and then getting the match bus home with all your mates after they've won - just a great day. And jumping over the fence without paying - little memories like that.

THE GREATEST GAME I EVER WATCHED WAS...
Probably my first game when I was about eight or nine. It wasn't in the Stretford End, I think I was on the halfway line and it was against Stoke or Sunderland, I can't really remember. But that would be my favourite game because it the first time I'd ever been to Old Trafford and watched a football game live, so that will always be special.

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF MEMORABILIA IS...
I've never really been a big collector of Memorabilia or autographs. I don't even keep mine! All mines in the museum so I'm not a massive fan of memorabilia.

YOU WOULDN'T KNOW I USED TO...
One thing you might not know about me is that at about 11-13 I preferred playing rugby league to football. My dad was a rugby league player and if I had a choice at the time and there was a big rugby game or a big football game at the weekend I would choose rugby. That probably changed when i was about 13 or 14, but I was always a massive rugby league fan and still am.

I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE...
I love football because it has been my life. Ever since I can remember I've been kicking a football around - from playing Sunday league to playing in front of 70,000 at Old Trafford. I've enjoyed ever minute of it... and it gets better the older you get!