Charlton happy to surrender appearance record
Associated Press
Updated: May 11, 2008, 1:34 PM EST
Ryan Giggs equaled Bobby Charlton's appearance record for Manchester United on Sunday, and earned his 10th Premier League winner's medal by scoring in the 2-0 victory over Wigan.
Charlton, who has held the record of 758 appearances for 35 years, was the first to praise the Wales winger after the game.
"He's fantastic," Charlton said. "He's a great athlete, a great person, a great footballer and nobody deserves to break records like he does.
"His record with Manchester United is unbelievable and I'm really proud of him."
Charlton scored 198 goals for the Red Devils from 1956-73, winning three league titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup.
Giggs, whose contract runs until next June, is already the most decorated player in the club's history. In addition to his 10 league titles, he has steered United to four FA Cup titles, two League Cups and the 1999 Champions League title.
If he plays in next week's Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow, he will eclipse Charlton's appearance record.
"I've forgotten about the record already," Charlton said.
Giggs scored the 144th goal of his United career, which stretches back to 1991, in the 80th minute Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo had already put the team on the way to the title from the penalty spot in the first half.
"It was a great goal to settle us down. It gave us a two-goal cushion," Giggs said after raising the trophy with artificial flames flickering behind and fireworks exploding around the stadium. "I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies.
"I hope we can win another one in 10 days' time."
