Unashamedly, I had wanted him to win the award. I do not support the club of his choice but I have always been an admirer of United’s rich tradition of developing marvellous young talent and over the last 18 years Giggs has been a constant marvel to me.

He’d sensationally scored on his full debut the previous season and was the latest name to be branded as ‘the new Georgie Best’.

He was never going to fill those boots but he’s never needed to and it’s significant that the media no longer labels an emerging United kid as the next Bestie. One day they’ll be describing a fledgling Old Trafford talent as the ‘new Giggs’. He is a United legend in his own right - up there with the greatest of them all.

That is the attribute I most associate with Ryan - he has always been dignified

On that sighting back at White Hart Lane I was surprised at his confidence. It was clear he loved to run at opponents in that beautiful, swaying flow that has been a dominant feature of Premier League history.

There was nothing coltish or gangling about the way he took on full-backs. He had the desire and bounce of a boy but the furious concentration and ambition of a man at work and on his way to the top of his profession. He was still a youth team player but he had the carriage of a veteran.

Spurs had started that season well. Gary Lineker had scored 11 goals in the opening seven games including four the previous week at Wimbledon. Giggs turned in a mercurial show and a late Bryan Robson goal won it for United to take them six points clear at the top.

Giggs became a regular as they drew at home to Arsenal, won in style at Crystal Palace and Chelsea but finally tossed it away when Kenny Brown scored a freakish winner for West Ham at Upton Park.

The willowy Welshman looked totally at home alongside the established big names. He seemed to thrive on advice from Robson and took the barking from Schmeichel, Bruce and Ince in his stride. Here was a special player.

In defeat at West Ham and amidst the agony of his first lost title, there was dignity. That is the attribute I most associate with Ryan - he has always been dignified.

There was the odd youthful misdemeanour and paparazzi moment and occasionally he has berated a referee but he has never bad mouthed opponents or the game.

He has always carried himself well and respected football and in return I can’t think of another current player who is now respected as highly and universally as him.

As his career has unfolded the great goals have punctuated many commentaries of Giggs in full flow.

There was a special one to take United back to the top of the table at QPR in January 1993 and the unique FA Cup semi-final wonder winner against Arsenal in 1999. It was a moment of sublime beauty when football, dance, art and history fused into one glorious vision and a man wheeled away twirling his shirt over his head to create an iconic image for ever.

Joy still courses through his body with every shoulder-dipping, hip-swivelling run. Bravery is etched in every painful ache that follows each game and maturity has brought enhanced self-awareness and greater understanding of his place in society. He is a good man.

In an interview he grips the interviewee in an intense stare. The eyes are dark, penetrating and focused, he is humorous and intelligent.

He is the most successful Premier League player of all time. The medals have stacked up - no-one can dispute that - but Ryan Giggs should be remembered for more than that. He has become an emblem for the way football should be played.

As Gary Lineker said on Sunday, he has transcended club rivalries. He is admired by so many, however partisan they may be to United’s rivals.

Ryan Giggs - Sports Personality of the Year 2009. It was a long time coming, it was overdue. Now bring on the knighthood!

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