Ferdinand sings Giggs' praises May 22 2008
Victorious Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Ryan Giggs after the pair lifted the Champions League trophy in Moscow.
Substitute Giggs broke Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record with his 759th outing in a United shirt as the Reds won a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout victory over English rivals Chelsea.
United had taken the lead in the 26th minute through a Cristiano Ronaldo header but Frank Lampard equalised just before the break.
Chelsea then hit the woodwork twice but the game went to penalties with the final score at 1-1 after extra-time.
The Blues were handed the advantage when Petr Cech saved Ronaldo's spot-kick and it looked all over for United when captain John Terry stepped-up to take his penalty.
Terry only had to score to earn Chelsea their first Champions League triumph but the defender slipped as he connected with the ball and his effort hit the post and went agonisingly wide.
That handed the initiative back to United and when Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka, the Reds had claimed their third European crown - half a century after the Munich air disaster which killed eight of the famous 'Busby Babes' and 40 years since they won the competition for the first time.
Ferdinand claimed it was only fitting that Giggs should hold the trophy alongside him after his record-breaking career at Old Trafford.
Charlton, one of the survivors of the Munich disaster and now a club director, looked on proudly as Giggs went on to better his mark.
"Ryan Giggs is Manchester United," said Ferdinand. "He is phenomenal. The thing is he has come on as a substitute and made an impact. He could have scored but John Terry cleared his shot off the line.
"He is not thought of as highly as he should be in my opinion. When he has retired, people will appreciate him much more.
"It is a shame really because he has been a fantastic servant to United and to football.
"To play so many games for one club is unheard of really, especially in today's game."