Giggs to captain Team GB at London 2012

By Andrew Warshaw

July 8 – Ryan Giggs, who retired from international football five years ago, will captain Team GB at London 2012, it was announced today.

At 38, the Wales and Manchester United star – named last week as one of the three over-age players in Stuart Pearce’s squad – as expected, got the nod over a number of other candidates in the 18-man party.

“He’s got the respect of all the members of the group,” said Pearce, whose side face Senegal at Old Trafford in their opening game on July 26.

Before that, Giggs will lead out Team GB for the first time when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on July 20 in a warm-up game.

“I looked at the squad and I thought there are some good candidates there,” said Pearce.

“Aaron Ramsey captains Wales, Micah Richards has captained Manchester City at times, Craig Bellamy (pictured below) for the experience he’s had and one or two others within the camp as well.

“But I think Ryan is the standout captain amongst the group.

“It was the easiest decision of my managerial career.

“He has been one of the best professionals of the last 20 years.”

Giggs has never played in the World Cup or European Championship finals during a distinguished career but now has the chance to appear on the international stage in the twilight of his career.

“You read about the players that have been involved [in the Olympics] in the past, like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Ronaldo,” he said.

“This is an experience a lot of players have loved and a better experience if you win it.

“Brazil, Spain and Uruguay have picked marquee players.

“They’ve taken it seriously and want to win it like us.

“We hope we can get gold – that is what the players are hoping for.”

After facing Senegal, Team GB meet United Arab Emirates at Wembley on July 29 and complete their group games against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 1.

Pearce also revealed that Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge (pictured below) will be assessed early next week to see whether he is fit enough to take part.

Sturridge fell ill with meningitis last weekend and will miss training sessions in Spain next week.

“If he is fully fit, he will stay with us,” Pearce said.

“If we think there are any doubts in any shape or form, we will call someone else to replace him.

“July 25 is the latest we can make that decision.”

Giggs has already expressed his disappointment at David Beckham’s controversial omission and was quick to turn attention back to football when asked about the reluctance of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish associations to support a unified Team GB.

No players have been selected from Scotland or Northern Ireland, although five Welshman, including Giggs, have been chosen.

“We just wanted an opportunity to play for Great Britain in an Olympics on home turf so I think it was a chance we couldn’t turn down,” said Giggs.

“It was one we’re excited about and if other people want to disagree with then that’s their prerogative, but as a player I am excited and can’t wait.”

Meanwhile, England skipper Casey Stoney was named as captain of the Team GB women’s team who face New Zealand, Cameroon and Brazil.

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