Giggs to retire from Wales

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The Wales skipper will end a 16-year career with his country by playing his 64th international on Saturday against the Czech Republic in the Euro 2008 qualifier at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

It is believed that Giggs made a personal decision to consider quitting in the wake of Wales' poor display in Dublin in March, when a 1-0 defeat all but ended their chances of qualifying for next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Wales officials were made aware of Giggs' feelings last week when they assembled for the friendly against New Zealand in Wrexham which finished in a 2-2 draw.

With the squad meeting last night at their Cardiff hotel for the Czech match the players are now aware of Giggs' decision.

It is a shattering blow for Wales, Giggs being arguably their greatest-ever player - certainly of the modern era - and it will hit boss John Toshack's plans hard.

He has always said that he is primarily aiming for a serious qualification bid for the next World Cup in South Africa, when Giggs - now 33 - will be approaching 36.

But Toshack would have wanted Giggs around for his immense experience and the quality of his leadership.

However, an FA of Wales source said: "Maybe Ryan has come to accept that the chances of qualification for Euro 2008 are all but gone.

"It is a great shame, he has been an outstanding servant to Welsh football and since being made captain under Tosh, he has been a major influence on the young players."