Rafael lauds 'unbelievable' Giggs

Rafael heaped praise on the "unbelievable" Ryan Giggs after the Manchester United legend scored on his 999th career appearance.

Last Updated: 25/02/13 at 09:58 Post Comment   

Ryan Giggs: Rolled back the years at QPR

Ryan Giggs: Rolled back the years at QPR

The 39-year-old ensured the Red Devils would leave London with three points on Saturday, striking home 10 minutes from time to wrap up a 2-0 win over QPR.

Giggs' performance at Loftus Road belied his years and impressed fans, pundits and team-mates alike.

"He is an unbelievable player," United right-back Rafael said. "Every game you see him, he works hard, scores, makes assists. It is getting boring.

"He is just such a good player. He is the same in training; he just loves to play the game. He is one of the top players that I have played with.

"He gives us experience, confidence, and when you are feeling bad he comes and helps you, especially young players.

"Sometimes a young player finds it tough going and he helps them to show how to do it. He knows it from playing for 22 years.

"He pulls the player aside. He spoke to me a lot when I was young."

That advice appears to be working for Rafael, who is maturing into a fine player for United.

The Brazilian was arguably the man of the match against QPR, defending superbly and opening the scoring in stunning fashion.

"I can't remember scoring a better goal," he said with a smile. "The one at Liverpool was different because it was a curling shot, but I can't remember a better one than this. I think it's my best.

"I just saw the ball coming towards me and hit it as hard as I could. You can feel by the way you hit the ball that it's going in.

"I just hoped it wouldn't deflect off anyone. It was a good goal."

The victory edges United towards a 20th league title but pushes QPR closer to the drop.

The Rs languish seven points adrift of safety at the bottom of the standings, although manager Harry Redknapp remains upbeat.

"We have nothing to lose," he said. "Everyone thinks we're gone, don't they?

"'Oh forget QPR, they're dead'. We ain't dead. You can change it so quickly, so quickly.

"At Portsmouth, I had a crap team and we got 20 points in the last 10 games and stayed up. It ain't impossible."

That confidence, though, is based on keeping forwards Loic Remy and Bobby Zamora fit, which is easier said than done.

"I think that's our only chance," Redknapp said.

"If Bobby's struggling then we're struggling. If he stays fit, I think he gives you something. And they have got to learn how to play with him.

"I think in the first half every time we played the ball up to Bobby, he got hold of it, he gave us a little chance to go up and join him and I still think the players don't really know or they've got to learn how to play with him.

"Every time I get a ball I want to play a forward ball into Bobby Zamora. Not play backwards, square or whatever.

"Turn it round the corner, up to Bobby, go and join him and play off him and I think that's how we have got to play.

"If his ankle's okay - he's got a bad, bad hip, which needs an operation in all honesty - even a half-fit Bobby Zamora is still a top player and I think if I can get him and Remy together I think they could be a good pair."

"At Portsmouth, I had a crap team and we got 20 points in the last 10 games and stayed up. It ain't impossible." Stay classy Harry. You and YOUR crap team has pushed the club to the brink of extinction. I hope when QPR slide into oblivion you do too.
- dev

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

S

adly this is inevitable. No club outside the top 4/5 can hang on to anyone who shows that kind of talent anymore. Might be best for them to get as much as they can now while his stock is high and start again. On the plus side lads, Grant Holt is still available.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

Footer 365

Former Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper named Hartlepool's new manager

Hartlepool have appointed Colin Cooper as their new manager after the sacking of John Hughes earlier this month.

Outgoing Manchester United chief executive David Gill elected to UEFA committee

Manchester United's outgoing chief executive David Gill has been elected to UEFA's executive committee.

Premier League: Marco Materazzi would love Jose Mourinho link at Chelsea

Marco Materazzi would love to join Jose Mourinho at Chelsea if the coach returns this summer.

Mail Box

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved