Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs on Monday resigned as Wales head coach.

“After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect,” Giggs said in a statement announcing his resignation.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach,” he added. 

Before now, Giggs had in November 2020 stepped aside from his role after he was arrested and charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville. Giggs has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. 

As interim coach, Robert Page took over from Giggs, helping Wales clinch its first World Cup ticket since 1958 in Giggs’ absence. 

Reacting to Giggs resignation, the Football Association of Wales in a statement said: “The FAW places on record its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru men’s national team and appreciates the decision he has taken, which is in the best interests of Welsh football.”

Giggs, 48, was appointed on a four-year contract as Wales’ head coach in January 2018, succeeding Chris Coleman.