Giggs is still driven

Already the most decorated player in United history, Giggs will make his 705th appearance for the club when he captains them in tomorrow night's Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter with AS Roma at the Olympic Stadium.

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Aside from the 1990 FA Cup triumph and the Cup Winners' Cup Final win over Barcelona the following year, Giggs has played a major role in all Sir Alex Ferguson's triumphs and with his legs showing no sign of slowing just yet, the smart money is on the Cardiff-born star also eclipsing Sir Bobby Charlton's club record 759 appearances.

But the 33-year-old knows he cannot carry on forever.

And, as he assessed the forces that still drive him on, Giggs confirmed his retirement date is one of the biggest.

"When you are 19, 20 and 21, you think the end is never going to come," said the Wales skipper.

"Obviously when you get into your 30s, you can see the finishing line.

"I may only have a year or two left and that drives me on. You want to enjoy these days because I realise in a few years time I won't be doing it anymore.

"But the only way you can enjoy it is by winning trophies."

As someone who has achieved more than most of his contemporaries even dream about, Giggs' continued hunger is astounding.

Yet, as he looked forward to an eighth Champions League quarter-final, it was fairly easy to see where it comes from.

For, sat on his left as Giggs spoke to the world's media was Ferguson who, it now appears, will remain at Old Trafford beyond his longest serving player.

Giggs continued: "The desire and hunger of the manager transcends to the players.

"It is instilled into you at a young age and the new players pick it up as well.

"You want to win trophies, it goes right from the top of the club down to the youth team.

"You have the spirit never to give up and to try and win games at all times."

To that end, Giggs agrees with the opinion of his boss that an away goal against an obdurate Roma defence could prove pivotal to United's chances of reaching the last four for the first time since 2002.

And, while - one memorable hat-trick aside - Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have found goals impossible to come by in the Champions League, Giggs is confident his young team-mates have the ability to pass one of their biggest tests of character so far.

"I keep saying the potential and ability are there but, so far, the team have overcome every challenge that has been put in front of them this season," he said.

"In terms of results, we have produced a good mix between grinding out results and playing well.

"That is what you need to do to win trophies.

"I do want to win another European medal. If I retired with just one Champions League win, it would be a let down.

"But you only fulfil potential by winning trophies.

"We have put ourselves in a great position this season. We are still going for three trophies, and hopefully I will get that second European one."