David Seaman praises "frightening" Ryan Giggs

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has described the amount of success that Ryan Giggs achieved during his playing career as "frightening".

At the age of 40 and having been a regular part of the Manchester United starting lineup since 1991, Giggs retired earlier this week to concentrate on his new role as the assistant to Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

"He was brilliant. He was so tricky and has got so many medals it's frightening. What a career he has had at one club and to win all those trophies with United is awesome," Seaman told Sports Mole.

Among Giggs's many memorable moments, Seaman featured heavily in the crowning one. As the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay at Villa Park between United and Arsenal appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout, Giggs collected a wayward pass from Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira just inside his own half.

What followed was arguably one of English football's best goals, as Giggs weaved his way past Vieira, Lee Dixon and then Martin Keown, before lashing the ball into the roof of Seaman's net. His celebration, during which he removed his shirt to reveal a chest laden with hair, has proved to be equally as notable.

Recalling that goal, Seaman said: "Every time somebody mentions Ryan Giggs, I always remember his hairy chest, even though he was running away from me! I just remember the pace that he hit the ball at. He hit it that hard that by the time I was able to get my hands up above my head, the ball was already in. I hardly had time to move before it was beyond me.

"It's weird because when we were in that game, I couldn't recall the build-up with Patrick giving the ball away and him beating all those players. At the time all I could remember was him getting nearer the goal then smashing it over my head with really frightening pace."

David Seaman and top female freestyler Laura Biondo are working with Mini Babybel this summer, offering people the chance to win one of 15,000 free mini-footballs through their exciting on-pack promotion. Former England international David is encouraging families to get out and play football and be inspired by the skills demonstrated by Laura in the latest Babybel video. For more information visit www.babybel.co.uk