By Chris O'Brien
June 3 2007

33-year-old Ryan Giggs has announced his shock retirement from international football. The Manchester United winger will make his final appearance for Wales on the weekend as John Toshack's men entertain the Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium.

Ryan Giggs has announced his shock retirement from international retirement.

The Welshman will make his 64th and final appearance for his country on Saturday as John Toshack's men host the Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium.

"I feel this is a good time, the right time to retire and it's a difficult decision for me," said Giggs.

"I have loved playing for my country and I have loved captaining my country. It wasn't an easy decision."

The decision comes as a surprise with Giggs, in recent years, showing a very positive attitude to his international career and even suggesting he would play on through the 2010 World Cup campaign. However, with Wales' Euro 2008 qualification hopes already hanging by a thread; Giggs has decided to call it a day and concentrate on club football.

The 33-year-old is regularly regarded as one of the greatest ever players never to represent his country in a major international tournament. He will make his final bow for Wales this Saturday in a game Toshack's men simply must win if they are to retain any realistic hope of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals.