Players who stopped the clock: Five of the oldest outfield greats after Kazuyoshi Miura goal

A famous Fergie Fledgling from the Class of ’92, Giggs still graced the Old Trafford touchline for two terms as assistant to former coach Louis van Gaal and is synonymous with United’s success in the Premier League era, having taken part in a record 13 title triumphs.

Giggs transformed from tricky speedster to patient playmaker in a bid to extend his Old Trafford stay, going on to make history with 632 Premier League appearances, the most of any player to date.

Watch the Welshman’s Man Utd journey in goals (yes, including that solo spectacular against Arsenal):

Paolo Maldini

AC Milan defender Maldini was truly evergreen, continuing to play at the highest level throughout his 30s before eventually bowing out aged an amazing 41.

The classy veteran was also a one club player, helping the Rossoneri (33/1 with Coral to win Serie A) to seven Scudetti and five Champions League titles. One of the greatest defenders the game has known, Maldini’s tactical intelligence and technique meant he seamlessly switched from full back to centre half as he matured, becoming a master of both positions.

Maldini makes tackling look like an art form:

Lothar Matthaus

Matthaus is one of the most enduring figures from German football, and once typified his nation’s stereotypical combination of power, mental determination and precise passing in the 80s and 90s.

Having appeared in a fantastic five World Cups for both West and later reunified Germany, winning the coveted trophy in 1990 with the former, Matthaus also achieved much glory at club level with both Bayern Munich and Inter Milan (14/1 to win Serie A). The box-to-box midfielder’s sublime positional sense meant he eventually transitioned to a sweeper, saying goodbye to the game aged 39.

See some classic Matthaus moments:

Rivaldo

Former Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner Rivaldo is best remembered for his dazzling displays in Barcelona and Brazil shirts, though the skilful Samba superstar only retired in 2014 aged an exceptional 42.

Clearly in love with the beautiful game, the adaptable attacker represented a whopping 15 clubs overall, beginning with Santa Cruz in 1991 and most recently finishing at Brazilian minnows Mogi Mirim.

Watch ruthless Rivaldo’s highlights:

Javier Zanetti

Few are so fondly remembered and revered in football as Inter’s erstwhile Zanetti, who only received two red cards in his career, but was amazingly often overlooked by several Argentina coaches for World Cup squads.

El Tractor’s incredible consistency and adaptability meant he was integral to the Italian giants over the course of his 19-season stay at the San Siro, where he played in both full back positions and defensive midfield, with his experience and leadership a crucial component in Jose Mourinho’s 2010 treble-winning team.

Now Nerazzurri vice president, Zanetti played his last game for the club against Lazio in 2013/14 age 40.

Check out Zanetti’s retirement speech:

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