Ryan Giggs said yesterday that there is no end in sight to his illustrious Old Trafford career after committing himself to Manchester United for an eighteenth season. Only three weeks after the winger confirmed that tentative talks had begun over an extension to his contract, which was scheduled to expire in the summer, negotiations have reached a successful conclusion.

Not only does it mean that Giggs, 33, will get the chance to add yet more medals to a haul that includes nine league titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League success in 1999, but he will also probably surpass Sir Bobby Charlton’s club appearance record of 759. Giggs, who is 32 adrift of Charlton’s mark, could break the record before the end of this season.

“I am enjoying football more than ever and I hope to carry on playing for United for as long as I can,” Giggs said. “I am delighted to have signed for a further season and I would like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson, the fans and everyone at the club for the great support I have received over the years.”

Ferguson said that Giggs “epitomises the word loyalty”. The manager added: “He signed here as a 14-year-old schoolboy and is still with the club 20 years on. Apart from his playing ability, he has a fantastic demeanour and is a great role model to the younger players. I am sure he will be at the club for a long time to come.”