Giggs named captain of British Olympic team

Published July 8, 2012 at 3:19 pm

In this Sunday Jan. 9, 2011 file photo Manchester United's Ryan Giggs celebrates after scoring a penalty goal against Liverpool during their English FA Cup soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. The British Olympic Association said Monday July 2, 2012 that Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been included in Britain's 18-man squad for the men's football tournament at the London Olympics, with head coach Stuart Pearce confirming the absence of David Beckham. The 38-year-old Giggs joined fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy and England defender Micah Richards as the three overage players allowed in the squad, which will represent Britain at an Olympic Games for the first time since 1960.

Photo by AP

LONDON — Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named captain of Britain's Olympic football team.

The 38-year-old Giggs was one of three overage players included in Britain’s 18-man Olympic squad by coach Stuart Pearce at the expense of former England captain David Beckham.

Giggs has won 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies but the Welshman will be playing in his first international tournament.

Giggs said of his appointment on Sunday: “Obviously I have experience and there are a lot of younger players in this squad. As captain, hopefully I can pass that on to them.”

Britain’s football team will play its first game in more than 50 years when it faces Brazil in a friendly on July 20 ahead of the London Games.