I Was Gone: Ryan Giggs Opens Up on Devastating Euro 2020 Absence and Emotional Struggles

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Ryan Giggs has expressed deep sorrow over his decision to step down as the manager of the Wales national football team, a role he held since 2018. His tenure included the significant achievement of guiding Wales to qualify for Euro 2020, marking a major milestone for the team. However, following his arrest on suspicion of assault—charges he has denied and was later cleared of—Giggs temporarily stepped aside and ultimately resigned in 2022, forcing him to watch Wales compete in the tournament from home.

On the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast,’ Giggs revealed the emotional toll of this period, describing it as “heartbreaking.” He recounted the moment when Wales scored late in a match against Turkey, celebrating alone in his living room while the team and staff celebrated together on the pitch, highlighting his isolation from the squad during a critical time.

Despite his decorated career, Giggs remains indifferent about not being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, emphasizing that his focus has always been on winning games and trophies rather than personal accolades.

During his management, Giggs led Wales in 24 matches, winning half of them and securing the nation’s second-ever qualification for the European Championship. After his departure, Robert Page, who had served as his assistant, took over and led Wales to their first World Cup appearance since 1958, although the team was eliminated in the group stage. Page stepped down in June 2023, and Craig Bellamy was appointed as the new Wales manager in July 2023, tasked with building on recent successes.

Giggs’ resignation came amid ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations of controlling behavior and assault against his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, which he has denied. He expressed concern that the ongoing case could destabilize Wales’ preparations for the World Cup, stating that stepping down was in the best interest of the team and the Football Association of Wales. The FAW publicly thanked Giggs for his contributions and emphasized their focus on the World Cup under new leadership.

Throughout his playing career, Giggs earned 64 caps for Wales and became the most decorated player in Premier League history, yet he has downplayed the significance of individual honors. His managerial period was marked by the emergence of key Welsh talents such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who played pivotal roles in the team’s successes.

The transition from Giggs to Page and then Bellamy reflects a period of change aimed at sustaining Wales’ competitive presence on the international stage.

The emotional and professional challenges faced by Giggs underscore the complex intersection of personal issues and public responsibilities in high-profile sports roles. His story highlights the pressures national team managers endure, especially when off-field matters impact their ability to lead. The Welsh national team’s recent achievements, including the Euro 2020 run and World Cup qualification, remain significant milestones in the country’s football history.