"I faced Zanetti for the first time in the Champions League quarter-finals in 1999," FIFA.com reports Giggs told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He was the right-back and I was on the left. He impressed with his qualities: his speed, power, intelligence and expertise. I played against him on another two occasions and he was my most difficult opponent, a complete player."
Giggs has played over 900 games for Manchester United since 1991. The 38-year-old has lined up against some of the game's all-time greats, and it was a bit of a surprise to some that he would name Zanetti.
But upon further consideration it makes perfect sense. Giggs spent much of his career as a left midfielder, and Zanetti a right fullback. Although they only faced each other three times, their one-on-one duels must stand out in the Welshman's mind.
Zanetti, 38, is a living, breathing, legend in Italian soccer. The versatile Argentine has played almost 900 times for Inter Milan, and won every trophy (at club level) available to him. Both players are the embodiment of professionalism at the top level. Their longevity speaks for itself, and it's only natural that Giggs would recognize his best qualities — "speed, intelligence, and expertise" — in an opponent he admires.
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