Giggs keen to play at Olympic Games, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he is happy for Ryan Giggs to participate in the Olympic Games with Team GB but has ruled out the possibility of any other over-age players taking part.

United are believed to have contacted the Football Association outlining their intention to retain their players and Stuart Pearce will now only have Giggs to call upon from the Red Devils' British contingent.

This has ruled out the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney as over-23 players, though the FA have since insisted they were never considered.

Ferguson expressed frustration at how United's stance has perceived in the media and reiterated his belief that certain older players would not want to take part.

He told MUTV on Friday: "It has come out as criticism. I don't understand that. The older players don't want to be involved. In the Olympics you play something a game every four days. Rio Ferdinand couldn't do that anyway."

Ferguson also revealed that Giggs has expressed a particular interest in participating in the tournament due to his lack of international success with Wales.

He said: "Ryan wants to play. I am happy with that. He is looking forward to it. Whether he plays three games in seven days is another matter - that is not my decision. But he does want to play because he has always missed out on the big tournaments with Wales."

The 38-year-old captained Wales and won 64 caps between 1991 and 2007, but failed to help his side qualify for a major international tournament.

Giggs had previously hinted that he would accept any invitation to play for the team as long as the Football Association of Wales had no qualms with his involvement.