London: Veteran Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs will play against Barcelona in Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley, despite controversy surrounding his affair with Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas.
Giggs, named in Parliament as the footballer who had obtained a High Court injunction to prevent details of an affair with former Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas being made public, spoke to his manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday.
According to the Daily mail, Ferguson wanted to know if Giggs was prepared to face Barcelona - and was told: ''Yes''.
The midfield linchpin also wants to play a small part in Gary Neville's testimonial on Tuesday night at Old Trafford.
Ferguson may allow Giggs a cameo appearance after not playing in Sunday's 4-2 win against Blackpool.
It is understood the United manager, who has been watching Giggs' demeanour and form since the scandal broke, is satisfied his longest-serving player remains in the right frame of mind to play.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has gone on the defensive in wake of Ryan Giggs Twitter furore, and will attempt to prevent the episode from overshadowing their Champions League final preparations.
According to The Telegraph, Ferguson is likely to throw a protective shield around winger Giggs ahead of Saturday's clash against Barcelona.
Ferguson and the entire Manchester United squad are scheduled to appear at an open media day at Carrington today. It is thought highly unlikely that Giggs will attend and it is also uncertain whether he will take part in Gary Neville’s testimonial against Juventus at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
ANI
First Published: Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 11:24