The Manchester United legend, who turns 52 on Saturday, is leading a different life outside of football
Giggs turns 52 this weekend
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Former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is leading a vastly different life from his glory days at Old Trafford. The Red Devils legend turns 52 on Saturday and finds himself out of the game.
The ex-United winger, who clinched an unprecedented 13 Premier League titles, left his position as Salford City's director of football in September, seemingly with ambitions of getting back into management. Giggs has not overseen a side since standing down as Wales manager in 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of assault.
Giggs consistently denied allegations of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour towards his former partner Kate Greville and assaulting her sibling Emma. He was cleared after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges before a planned retrial in 2023.
While Giggs found a path back into the sport with Salford City, he received support from his girlfriend Zara Charles during his legal issues. The pair had a child together last year, with Giggs becoming a father again at the age of 50.
Romance and newborn baby
Giggs has been romantically involved with lingerie model Zara Charles - who is 15 years younger than the football star - since 2021. The 37-year-old gave birth to their daughter Cora last November.
A spokesperson for the former United icon said at the time: "Ryan and his partner Zara are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Giggs, who was born on Friday, November 1
"They extend their warmest gratitude to all the amazing staff, especially the midwives, at Wythenshawe Hospital."
The surprise arrival marked Giggs' third child. He was already a father to Libby and Zach from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.
Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles
Giggs has been in a relationship with Zara Charles since 2021
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Affair scandal
The footballer found himself at the centre of a public controversy during his playing career when it emerged that he had been involved in an eight-year relationship with Natasha, the wife of his brother Rhodri. The revelation resulted in Rhodri and Natasha's marriage ending.
Yet more than a decade later, it seems Rhodri still appreciates his brother's accomplishments on the pitch. The United legend secured 13 Premier League titles throughout his illustrious career and remains the competition's all-time leader in assists.
Despite this, he remains absent from the Premier League Hall of Fame. Rhodri expressed frustration with his brother's omission from this year's shortlist. Giggs' former teammate Gary Neville has since become the most recent United legend to enter the prestigious 26-member group.
Taking to social media, Rhodri wrote: "13 Premier League medals, countless goals, and the record number of Premier League assists. #TheShamHallOfFame."
Ryan Giggs
Giggs took charge of 25 games as Wales manager
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When questioned about his current relationship with his brother following the affair controversy, Rhodri told one social media user: "Mate, it was over 14 years ago and I've got two kids with someone else and made s*** load of money from it."
He added: "I buzz off it. It was 14 years ago and I made about £1million from it. Can't be on X and not expect a little bit of shrapnel coming your way. All part of the fun."
Return to management
Giggs has previously made clear his ambitions to get back into football management. The 52-year-old cut his coaching teeth at United, serving as caretaker boss and assistant manager, before taking charge of Wales in 2018.
While his recent spell as director of football at Salford maintained his connection to the game, Giggs acknowledged his desire to return to the touchline. When asked last year about a managerial comeback, Giggs said: "I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully."
Giggs was spotted working with Salford boss Karl Robinson throughout his time at the club. The United icon had been a co-owner at Salford until a recent takeover in May.
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