'Jog on WAG!' Imogen Thomas hits back at Twitter attack from Djibril Cissé's wife

By Andrea Magrath


This means war: Imogen Thomas has hit back at an attack from WAG Jude Cisse, who criticised her actions on Twitter


She's received a hard time in the press and a deluge of abuse from football fans on Twitter.

But so far most WAGs have opted to stay out of the scandal involving Imogen Thomas' affair with married Manchester United player Ryan Giggs.

Now one has spoken out - Jude Cissé has told Miss Thomas over Twitter that she should 'shut up and remained dignified.'


Imogen, in typical form, has not taken the slight lying down. she wrote this morning: 'Dear Mrs Cisse. No body wants to know your opinion. U seem to have a lot of time on ur hands...oh ye! I forgot your a wag!!! Jog on!'

Mrs Cissé, married to Panathinaikos striker Djibril, aired her opinion on the ongoing controversy in a lengthy diatribe on the social networking site.

'Just had a little peek at the online news! Don’t get it,' Jude tweeted, according to the Daily Star.

'How can some girls moan about what the public perception of them are yet still insist on carrying out interviews! Err mm the violins out. U would get a lot more public vote if u shut up & remained dignified!'

Rant: Jude Cissé, married to striker Djibril Cissé, wrote a lengthy diatribe attacking Imogen on Twitter


The WAG protects her tweets from public view, but the rant became public after the paper published them today.

She continued: 'All I’m hearing on the radio is all the infidelity scandals. God, so many people with so many different opinions. What’s your opinion? Want 2 know mine?

'Affairs happen all over the world with every walks of life FACT! To make it public is just wrong.'

'However, I don’t feel sorry for the ones having the affairs especially if the parties involved are aware of the marital status.

Hitting back: The reality star defended herself this morning


'How you can believe it’s more than sex when you only see each other 1 a week & that for only 2hrs at a time in a hotel!

'Why would you want 2 admit 2 the whole world u had an affair? I can only sympathise with the innocent wife & children.'

On Monday a fed-up Imogen wrote on her own page: 'I havent got the energy 2 block the haters. Theres too many. Take a look @ your own lives before you start judging mine. Sad f******!'

But she appeared to cheer up yesterday, after a visit to the Britain's Got Talent set where she rubbed shoulders with Simon Cowell.

WAGS stick together: Jude wrote, 'I can only sympathise with the innocent wife & children' over Imogen's affair with Ryan Giggs


She tweeted happily: 'Ive had the best day 2day for the 1st time in weeks. Defo not turning lesbian...Not really my thing! Night all and thanks for the support x'

Jude married former Liverpool player Djibril Cissé, seven years her junior, at Bodelwyddan Castle in Wales in June 2005.

The couple have two children together, Prince Kobe and Cassius.

they each have a child froem previous relationships - Jude is also mother to Liam while Djibril has daughter Ilona.


source:dailymail

Imogen Thomas keeping up her profile with an appearance as Simon Cowell's guest on Britain's Got Talent

By Daily Mail Reporter


Bit of all white: Imogen Thomas star shows no sign of withdrawing from her legal battle regarding the superinjunction as she visits her solicitors in London today


Imogen Thomas shows no sign of withdrawing from the public eye over the super injunction controversy.

The model has revealed she's making her most high profile television appearance yet since the scandal broke - appearing as Simon Cowell's guest at the last Britain's Got Talent live semi-final on Friday.

She will then be a guest live in the studio on spin-off show Britain's Got More Talent afterwards on ITV2.


She tweeted: 'I'm looking forward to meeting Simon Cowell on Britains Got Talent on Friday. I'm watching the main show then going to be on BGMT after.'

The opportunity was presumably orchestrated by her publicist Max Clifford, who also represents Cowell.

Meanwhile, the former Big Brother star, who was today seen on yet another visit to her London solicitors as the legal battle rumbles on, has been joking that her recent scandal has caused her to consider becoming a lesbian.

Putting it behind her: The model was wearing a white tiered mini dress and tasselled sandals for her latest legal meeting


The Welsh beauty made the remark on Twitter after her detractors taunted her for praising Swansea city football club following their win over the weekend.

After receiving abuse from followers the 28-year-old tweeted: 'Apparently I'm now targeting some of the SSEA players. OH PLEASE! I may turn lesbian - I think my love life will be less complicated!!!'

Miss Thomas has been on the receiving end of at times threatening abuse on the social networking site since the revelations of her affair with married Manchester United player Ryan Giggs.

Off men: Imogen Thomas has joked that she will 'turn lesbian' for a 'less complicated love life'


The model has hit back, writing furiously yesterday: 'I haven't got the energy 2 block the haters. There's too many. Take a look @ your own lives before you start judging mine. Sad f******!'

Imogen gave an interview to Heat magazine this week, in which she discussed taking anti-depressants and how she has contemplated suicide after it emerged an injunction had been taken out against her.

She also revealed that she would not immediately forgive her husband if they were ever to cheat on her.

Defensive: Imogen hit back at her critics

Fed-up: The former Big Brother contestant made the remarks following taunts from fans when she congratulated Swansea FC players on their win


'If my husband cheated on me, regardless of if there were kids involved, I would have to have some time by myself to figure out what I would want,' she said.

Imogen told the magazine that if she was his wife she would feel 'Very hurt. Disrespected, a little bit betrayed.

'I wouldn’t just accept it. For me, it’s disrespectful. I have thought about how the other person’s feeling, of course.'

Up and down: Miss Thomas is enjoying some of the perks of the scandal including meeting Simon Cowell, but has faced abuse on Twitter

Perks: Imogen says she will be meeting Simon Cowell, also a client of her publicist Max Clifford (pictured) when she visits BGT this week


Again she defended her actions when Twitter users accused her of cashing in.

'Since when has doing an interview been classed as SELLING THE STORY? ARE THERE SEXUAL DETAILS?! NO...therefore not a kiss and tell people,' Thomas ranted.

Miss Thomas has revealed she now carries a rape alarm and has consulted with police after some of the threats towards her on Twitter turned sinister - including messages threatening her young nephew.

She was also pictured last week enjoying a mammoth shopping spree at Debra in Chigwell, Essex - a favourite haunt of the Only Way Is Essex stars.


source:dailymail

Terrified Imogen Thomas reduced to carrying rape alarm after threats from football fanatics

By Daily Mail Reporter


Ring the alarm: Imogen Thomas leaves a supermarket carrying some water - the rape alarm clearly visible on her keyring


She's been tormented for weeks over the super-injunction taken out by Ryan Giggs.

And now Imogen Thomas is having increase her personal security after threats from football fanatics.

The glamour model's latest measure has been to purchase a rape alarm, which she has attached to her key ring.

Danger: The 'petrified' model has had to beef up security after receiving threats from football fanatics


Her mother Jan, 52, says her daughter carries the alarm at all times and is so stressed her hair is falling out.

She said: 'Imogen is petrified of being attacked. She carries a rape alarm at all times. Her hair is falling out.'

Imogen is said to be terrified fanatic Manchester United holligans will blame her for their side's 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.

Stressed: According to her mother, Jan, Imogen is so worried that she is losing her hair


Police are already probing threats the Welsh model has received since the midfielder was exposed in Parliament as the footballer who took out an injunction to cover up an alleged six-month fling.

Over the weekend more messages were posted up accusing her of putting Giggs, 37, off his game in Saturday’s all important Champions League final.

Detectives advised Imogen, 28, to quit her London home over the weekend as tens of thousands of United fans travelled to the capital for the game.

Distracted?: Fans have accused Imogen of putting Ryan Giggs off his game - here he is pictured on Manchester United's parade to celebrate taking the Premiership title


Meanwhile reports surfaced over the weekend that Imogen Thomas has started dating her footballer ex Jermain Defoe again, she took to Twitter to deny the allegations.

The Welsh former Big Brother star headed to luxury health spa Champneys and in-between facials tweeted: ‘IM ABSOLUTELY NOT IN CHAMPNEYS WITH JERMAIN DEFOE. IM HERE ALONE & HAVENT SEEN HIM.

‘NOT READY FOR ANOTHER MAN IN MY LIFE. CERTAINLY NOT EXS.’

Retreating from London: Imogen Thomas was seen leaving her North London home on Saturday to head to the Champneys spa


Imogen and 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain dated in 2009, but she claims she has not been in touch with him over the past month.

The former Miss Wales beauty was spotted leaving her North London home on Saturday to head to the spa in a cute aqua blue T-shirt dress and black heels.

The 28-year-old threw her suitcase into the back of her car to escape the football hype over the Champions League final on Saturday.

She apparently wanted to get out of the city after fearing that football fanatics might target her home if Manchester United lost the match against Barcelona - which they did.

Spa break: The 28-year-old threw her suitcase into the back of her car to escape the football hype over the Champions League final

Picking up supplies: Imogen was spotted headed to the shops to grab some snacks for the drive


Imogen tweeted yesterday from Champneys: ‘I just had an Aromatherapy wrap, head massage and foot massage.

‘I’m so relaxed and my phone doesn’t work… BLISS X’

And despite wanted to keep a low profile, she had tweeted after arriving: ‘LOVING Champneys. I’m here for a long wknd.

‘Treatments, good food, long baths…!! What more could a girl want?!’

Last week Thomas faced further embarrassment after trying to gain entry into The Box nightclub in London’s Soho but was turned away at the door.

Old flame: Imogen Thomas with footballer Jermain Defoe in July 2009, when the couple were dating


She was left red-faced when she was refused entry and had to wait for a car with her security staff in a nearby kebab shop.

Last week The Sun reported that: ‘She is in fear for her life because people have said they know where she lives, the make and model of her car, and have named members of her family.’

Ahead of the weekend’s match, Gigg’s wife Stacey told the left winger to ‘go out there and play the game of your life’, according to the Mirror.

The player has admitted he was a ‘fool’ and wishes it had never happened and his is relieved his wife is standing by him.


Disappointed: Manchester United players Ryan Giiggs and Wayne Rooney during Saturday's Champions League Final


source:dailymail

Two minders take care of Imogen Thomas after death threats... but they can't help her get into The Box

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Leggy lady: Imogen dined at Nobu before heading to The Box nightclub where she was refused entry. The former Miss Wales beauty queen then waited with her security for a car to pick her up


She was left shaken by death threats over Twitter after her alleged affair with footballer Ryan Giggs hit headlines but last night Imogen Thomas had a lot of support to hand.

The model was seen stepping out for dinner with two burly bodyguards in tow meaning she could dine carefree without any worries for her safety.

But while her bulky entourage prevented unwanted attention they couldn’t help her gain entry into The Box nightclub in Soho and Imogen was turned away at the door.

Feeling safe with security: Imogen, who has received death threats on Twitter Thomas had two bodyguards with her as she went for dinner last night


After enjoying a dinner at Nobu Berkley the former Big Brother contestant headed for the burlesque nightclub which has proved popular with celebrities, sports stars and even the young royals.

But Imogen was left red-faced when she was refused entry into the nightclub and had to wait for a car with her security staff in a nearby sandwich shop.

Wined and dined: Imogen had enjoyed a visit to Semplice restaurant in Mayfair with her publicist Max Clifford before her trip to Nobu


The former Miss Wales beauty queen was dressed in a simple satin black dress which she teamed with bright red patent shoes for the evening.

Earlier in the afternoon Imogen had joined her publicist Max Clifford for an al fresco meal at Semplice restaurant .

Fancy a quick bite? Imogen headed to a local sandwich shop to wait fora car after she was refused entry into The Box nightclub

Centre of attention: Imogen looked awkward as patrons of the sandwich shop cheered and took pictures of her as she waited for her car to arrive


Before meeting the PR guru Imogen had indulged in a spot of retail therapy and was seen leaving an Essex boutique with five bags of clothing.

A source close to Miss Thomas told the Sun newspaper today she is 'so frightened of attack that she plans to fly away on holiday as soon as possible, and will quit her London home when she returns'.

Can't help with the guest list: The 28-year-old's security men weren't much help when Imogen was turned away from the Box nightclub following a dinner at Nobu

Safety first: The two guards escorted Imogen away from the crowds and she waited in a sandwich shop for a car to pick her up


They added: 'She's in fear of her life because these people have said they know where she lives, the make and model of her car, and have named members of her family.'

Today she was snapped arriving at a police station in London, as officers are believed to be in the process of trying to track down users of the social networking site who posted the threats.

Eating al fresco: The PR guru and his client were seen dining outside the restaurant and posing for photographs


Meanwhile, Giggs, 37, was seen leaving his London hotel ahead of tomorrow's Champions League final against Barcelona.

According to the Mirror, his wife Stacey has told the left winger to 'go out there and play the game of your life'.

The player has admitted he was a 'fool' and wishes it had never happened and he is relieved that his wife is standing by him.


Retail therapy: Yesterday ahead of her meeting with Max, Imogen was seen leaving a clothing boutique with five bags of clothes


source:dailymail

Shopping spree for Imogen Thomas after police station visit over death threats

By Georgina Littlejohn


Retail therapy: Imogen Thomas leaves clothes store Debra in Chigwell today laden down with bags full of dresses


At times of stress and heartbreak some women rely on a good old fashion spree of retail therapy.

And Imogen Thomas was no exception today - and by the looks of things, she possibly relieved a lot of her tension.

Imogen, who has been at the centre of the storm over a super-injunction regarding her alleged affair with footballer Ryan Giggs, who was named by MP John Hemming in Parliament this week, was snapped leaving a clothes store in Essex today.


She was laden down with five bags of shopping as she treated herself to some lovely new things for her wardrobe.

Imogen, a former Miss Wales, 28, was seen leaving Debra at Chigwell - a favourite with The Only Way is Essex girls - today clutching the white bags.

A source at the shop told Mail Online that Imogen bought mainly dresses some smart fitted ones, a couple of maxi dresses and some casual summer ones.

Nice to see you smiling, Imogen: Miss Thomas seemed happy to be shopping as she tried on several outfits

Do you have this in my size? Imogen catches the camera as she holds up a dress for the shop assistant


She also bought some tops amid reports that she is about to flee the furore and head off on holiday for a relaxing break from it all.

But she still looked strained and as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders even after her retail therapy.

That could also have something to with a number of death threats she is believed to have been sent on Twitter.

Heavy load: Imogen pulls her bags out of her car boot as she arrives home after her spree

Alone: Imogen cut a solitary figure as she left her home carrying one of her shopping bags

Cheers! Imogen met Max Clifford for drinks today after her shopping spree


A source close to Miss Thomas told the Sun newspaper today she is 'so frightened of attack that she plans to fly away on holiday as soon as possible, and will quit her London home when she returns'.

They added: 'She's in fear of her life because these people have said they know where she lives, the make and model of her car, and have named members of her family.'

Today she was snapped arriving at a police station in London, as officers are believed to be in the process of trying to track down users of the social networking site who posted the threats.

Intimidating: Imogen was sen leaving a police station after she allegedly received death threats on Twitter over her alleged affair with footballer Ryan Giggs

Anything for a fan: Imogen has her picture taken by a young girl who stopped her in the street


Meanwhile, Giggs, 37, was seen leaving his London hotel ahead of tomorrow's Champions League final against Barcelona.

According to the Mirror, his wife Stacey has told the left winger to 'go out there and play the game of your life'.

The player has admitted he was a 'fool' and wishes it had never happened and he is relieved that his wife is standing by him.

Big day tomorrow: Ryan Giggs leaves his London hotel today ahead of Saturday's Champion's League final


source:dailymail

Imogen's revenge! Giggs's girl cashes in on affair with mischievous ad campaign for bookie (just make sure you keep your eye on the ball, Ryan!)

By Daily Mail Reporter


Scroll down to see a video of the photoshoot

Cheeky girl: Imogen Thomas has returned to work – in Manchester United kit promoting Paddy Power’s offer on the Champions League Final. Paddy Power will refund losing bets if United lose the match


Imogen Thomas has cashed in on her affair with Ryan Giggs with a high-profile ad campaign that could ensure it is not just football on his mind on Saturday night.

Given the distractions he has had this week, the Manchester United star will no doubt be pleased to focus his attention on trying to claim a third Champions League winner's medal with his club.

But one bookie has teamed up with the former Big Brother contestant for an eye-catching photoshoot that may mean Giggs has more than Barcelona to be wary of at Wembley.

The ad campaign posters carry the slogan: 'Imogen can't keep quiet about this!'


The Big Brother, star who had an affair with the footballer, took part in the shoot - dressed in a United shirt - with betting website Paddy Power for this Saturday's match. She is believed to have been paid a high five-figure sum for the ad campaign.

The bookie has refused to reveal the details of the campaign that they will be carrying out at the weekend, but it is believed there could be some high-profile trickery, including distracting pitchside displays.

A video filmed during the photoshoot appeared briefly on YouTube stating: 'As Giggs name was mentioned in the House of Commons, Imogen Thomas was on a photoshoot at Paddy Power.'

Revenge: The odds that 'Imogen' will be the first catchphrase to be used by ITV presenters are currently at 25/1. She is pictured right arriving at her lawyer's office.


The video may have proved too cheeky, however, as by the afternoon it disappeared. Another couple of hours later and it had been put up again after 'technical difficulties'

Showing Miss Thomas in various different poses, the video added: 'This photoshoot is the easiest gig she has ever had.'

It's all part of an offer whereby people betting on the match will get their money back if Barcelona wins in 90 minutes at the Champions League final at Wembley.

A Paddy Power spokesman said: 'With such an offer who else could we choose to front our advertising than Imogen Thomas - the most talked about woman in Britain this week.

'We did consider the Middleton sisters - but they were otherwise engaged.'

Special bets have also been put on relating to Giggs specifically with 7/1 odds that he scores and 72 that he is caught offside during the match.

There is also a 'commentary cliché' special for betting on the first phrase from a list to be used by ITV commentators.

Favourite at 3/1 is the mention of '2009' followed by 'Bobby Charlton' - who scored two goals in the Wembley 1968 final - at 8/1. But then there is 'Imogen' at 25/1 and coming in at odds of 40/1 is the phrase 'Giggs has been caught offside'.

Final preparations are made to the pitch at Wembley Stadium for the Champions League Final between Barcelona and Manchester United on Saturday


Darren Haines from the bookmakers declined to say how much Miss Thomas had been paid for the advertising campaign but did say it was a one off.

When asked if there would be mischief made during this weekend's match by the bookies, he said: 'We wouldn't really discuss our promotional campaigns.'

The company has got into hot water in the past over its advertising campaigns. An advert showing a group of disabled people fleeing from an Indian restaurant without paying.

Another - the most complained about advert of 2010 - showed 'blind' footballers using a ball with a bell inside it. When a cat wearing a bell round its neck runs onto the pitch, however, one of the players kicks it over a fence and into a tree.

Man United fans will be hoping Ryan Giggs can maintain his focus on Saturday's Champions League final

Though Giggs got a warm reception from the fans, the strain of his complicated love life was etched clearly on his face on the field at Old Trafford




source:dailymail

I’m disappointed in you’: Ryan Giggs’s estranged father breaks 20 year silence on son’s affair (despite walking out on his own family)

By Richard Hartley-parkinson


Ryan Giggs pictured as a boy with his father, Danny Wilson, who said he was disappointed in his son


Despite walking out on his own family 20 years ago, Ryan Giggs's father broke his silence to say how disappointed he is with his son over his affair with Imogen Thomas.

Danny Wilson, 55, spoke out about the relationship - the first time he has spoken publicly about his son after refusing to do so to protect his Manchester united career.

Mr Wilson said: 'Ryan is looked upon as clean living, almost beyond reproach. Now he's shown to have human frailties the same as the rest of us.


'I didn't think Ryan was like that,' he told the Sun. 'He is an iconic footballer who has achieved fantastic things. I had him on a pedestal. I'm immensely proud.

'But I am deeply disappointed at what Ryan has done, particularly as he has a young family. I'm sad for the effect it's going to have on them. His mother will be devastated.'

Following a difficult start to life, Giggs's fortunes were turned around thanks to the support and leadership of his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson

Speaking about his son's affair broke a 20 year silence in which Mr Wilson has never spoken about Giggs


When Mr Wilson, an ex-rugby league star, walked out on his family, Giggs disowned him and adopted his mother's surname.

Although he insists the split was not because of another woman, Mr Wilson was regarded as a womaniser whose career was curtailed by heavy drinking and crime, including a six-month jail stretch for attacking a police officer.

Thankfully for Giggs, Sir Alex became a father figure in his life and gave him direction. He even sees his father, but admits that things will never be the same again.

Mr Wilson, whose parents are from Sierra Leone and is now a security guard, said Giggs should have 'manned up', admitted the affair and apologised for it right from the start.

He also thinks the decision to take out an injunction was a bad one and he was badly advised.

If he had come clean from the beginning, Mr Wilson said, 'no one would be talking about it now. He's made it ten times worse.

'I'd be surprised if Sir Alex Ferguson told him to take out the injunction - it was probably other people around Ryan.'

Speaking two years ago about his relationship with his father, Giggs said: 'Everyone's childhood shapes who they are and what they do, and it was two sides of the story with my dad.

'I didn't like the relationship he had with my mum but there was another side where I looked up to him. My dad was my first hero.

'I think my parent's split may have contributed to that inner steel where I can block things out.

'When I was playing football, I never thought about the arguments between my mum and dad. I get on with my dad but I’m not going to let myself get close to him again because it would hurt my mum and people who mean a lot to me.’

Stacey Giggs was photographed arriving at Old Trafford for a family day at the weekend but yesterday she was seen without her wedding ring


source:dailymail

Party's over, Ryan: Giggs leads title celebrations with his family... 24 hours later his extra-marital affair is exposed

By Daily Mail Reporter


Father's pride: Giggs enjoys his record-breaking run with his two children, Zach and Libby as Manchester United celebrated its 12th Premier League win


Less than 24 hours after celebrating the Premier League title Ryan Giggs was back in the headlines.

He was finally named as the man who had tried to cover up an illicit affair with Imogen Thomas - in what had become the internet's worst-kept secret.

After his side were presented with the Premier League trophy at Old Trafford yesterday, the 37-year-old led the onfield celebrations with his two children, Zach and Libby.

But this afternoon his reputation as a family man was rocked when he was finally outed as the high-profile player who had used the courts to keep details of his extra-marital affair a secret.


The revelation - made in Parliament by John Hemmings - will come as a relief to Miss Thomas, who broke down in tears on television over the affair.

The pair allegedly enjoyed a six-month fling, meeting in secret at a string of luxury hotels, it was claimed.

At the time the gagging order was granted, Giggs' agent described the revelations as a shock, saying: ‘This is incredible. I can’t believe it. He is such a family man.

‘I don’t know what to say, knowing the closeness of his family.’

Last month the 28-year-old former Big Brother contestant broke down as she told ITV's This Morning of her regret that she didn't have enough money to get a super-injunction to protect her name.

Struggling to control her emotions, Miss Thomas said: 'I had no intention of ever speaking about the man - I just wish that my name was protected. I didn't have £50,000 to get an injunction.

'I feel like I have been thrown to the lions and told to "deal with it".

Ryan Gigg's wife, Stacey Cooke, laughs during the family celebrations at Old Trafford. Left Imogen Thomas leaving her house in North London


'I'm coping with a lot of stress and pressure on my head at the moment, it has such a terrible experience for me. I've done wrong and I'm paying for it.'

Asked whether she had ever planned to 'sell her story' before she found out about the super-injunction which was granted earlier in April, Miss Thomas tearfully replied: 'I would never have said anything.

'I had no intention of selling my story whatsoever, no intention at all.'

Miss Thomas also had to face allegations from Giggs that she attempted to blackmail him over their affair.

She was said to be furious that he had suggested she demanded money to keep their affair quiet.

Speaking after one High Court hearing, she said: ‘I have read the judgement and I am stunned by how I’m portrayed.

United front: Ryan Giggs with his wife Stacey Cooke arrive at Manchester United's 2011 Player of the Year Awards last Wednesday


'Yet again my name and my reputation are being trashed while the man I had a relationship with is able to hide.

‘What’s more, I can’t even defend myself because I have been gagged. Where’s the fairness in that? What about my reputation?

‘If this is the way privacy injunctions are supposed to work then there’s something seriously wrong with the law.’

After breaking into the Manchester United team in the 1991/92 season Giggs became one of the most respected players in the game.

He made his debut aged 17 as a substitute against Everton, and two months later scored the winner against Manchester City at Old Trafford on his full debut.

Nineteen years on and he is considered by many to be the 'golden boy' of football and it was all smiles for him and his two children on the pitch as they celebrated his record-breaking run.

Throughout his career he has made the most Premier League appearances and is the only one to have scored in all the campaigns since it was created.

In 2007 he was awarded the OBE and it was commented then that the award would no doubt have taken into account his charity work, aiding the campaign to rid football of racism, plus his role as a Unicef representative working to eliminate the use of land mines.

In September that year he married long-time partner Stacey Cooke in a ceremony attended by close relatives and friends. The couple's children, Liberty and Zach, were part of the congregation.

Speaking after winning the Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2009 he said: 'I've been lucky enough to win a lot of things in my career, playing with great players and playing under the greatest manager who has ever lived, I've played for the greatest club, this is up there.'

Explaining how he kept up his level of performance despite his advancing years, Giggs said: 'Desire, looking after myself. I'm enjoying my football more than ever and I think that's reflected in my play.'

It remains to be seen whether his reputation - and marriage - can survive this final twist in his career.

Miss Thomas's television tears came after a High Court hearing the previous day over the injunction that protected Giggs




source:dailymail