Rio Ferdinand: Giggs Is Underrated

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs deserves more credit for his footballing achievements, according to team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Giggs, 34, became the 11th player to score 100 league goals for the club when he got the opener in Saturday's 4-1 win over Derby at Old Trafford.

"I think he's a fantastic footballer," Ferdinand told BBC Sport.

"I don't think he gets the credit he deserves as a player for what he has achieved," he added.

"He's probably one of the best players I've played with, if not the best, and continues to go from strength to strength.

"He will be appreciated more when he's retired. When we go abroad he's respected a lot more in foreign countries than in this country.

"When people throw names around saying someone's done this or done that for the Premier League, he very rarely gets mentioned.

"It's a shame we are not appreciating a player who's been the most successful footballer of our generation probably."

Giggs put United in front against Derby five minutes before half-time for his 100th goal in 519 league appearances.

"It's a great achievement for myself, not many people have done it so I'm really pleased," the Welshman told BBC Sport.

"In the context of the game it was an important goal but now I can enjoy that it was the 100th league goal."

Sir Alex Ferguson felt Giggs's landmark should have received more acknowledgement during the game itself.

"I am surprised there was no announcement about Ryan's milestone," said the Manchester United boss.

"Maybe no-one knew but I certainly did. It is a fantastic achievement, absolutely marvellous.

"Not many players have scored 100 league goals but the service Ryan has given us, quite apart from the goals, is outstanding."

The Scot added: "Ryan is a great character, a great person and a fantastic servant to us all."