(Football news) Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has stepped down as manager of the Welsh national team. The 48 year old has been on leave since November 2020 and is currently facing a domestic violence trial in Manchester on August 8th, having been accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020. The Welshman has also been accused of physically assaulting her as well as being charged with common assault against Kate Greville’s younger sister Emma Greville on November 1, 2020. Giggs has denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Since Wales have qualified for the 2022 World Cup, Robert Page will remain in charge of the team after Giggs’ departure. A statement issued by Ryan Giggs said “After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect. It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.
“As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court. Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities. Through nobody's fault the case has been delayed. I do not want the country's preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case. I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team.
“I am proud of my record and will cherish those special times forever. It has been a pleasure to work with such well-established, senior professionals, and it has given me immense pride to watch so many young players progress into the national squad and flourish in the red colours of our country. I am touched and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us all over the world. To see nearly 3,000 of our loyal, travelling fans in Baku for the European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.
“I am sad that we cannot continue this journey together because I believe that this extraordinary group will make the country proud at our first World Cup since 1958. I would like to thank the chief executive Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the board of the FAW, plus the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life. It is my intention to resume my managerial career at a later date and I look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands. Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future.”
In response to Giggs’ statement, The Football Association of Wales issued a statement of their own which said “The FAW places on record its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men's National Team and appreciates the decision he has taken, which is in the best interests of Welsh football. The full focus of the FAW and the Cymru Men's National Team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year."
Also read: Chelsea make Raheem Sterling a priority to replace Romelu Lukaku
