Giggs was speaking in the Vale of Glamorgan hotel just vacated by the victorious Wales rugby team. The footballers have gathered in rugby's wake for John Toshack's first game as Mark Hughes's successor and if their efforts against England at Old Trafford last October were meek by comparison at least Giggs's presence offered some comforting reassurance.

Given Giggs's and Manchester United's reticence about his Wales appearances over the years - he made his debut against Germany 14 years ago - there could be no assumption that the lure of a 50th cap would prevent him joining Speed, Mark Pembridge and Andy Melville in retirement.

So for him to say that he wanted to stay with his country until 2008 was a surprise.

"When the European Championships come around I'll be 35, so hopefully I'll still be all right then," he said. "A lot can happen before then but I'm hoping to still be around."

He talked to Fergie:

"The manager urged me to carry on. He feels, like myself, that I have no weight problems, I keep myself fit, and in three to four years' time that I will be able to be around if we do qualify”.

"I think the manager has always wanted me to play for my club and country. He was quite keen because he feels that I'm fit enough, and so do I."