CARDIFF, Wales - Wales has handed Ryan Giggs his first coaching job since ending an illustrious playing career.
The Football Association of Wales turned to its former winger, whose only previous experience as a manager was four games in temporary charge of Manchester United in 2014.
Giggs replaces Chris Coleman, who left last year to manage Sunderland after Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Coleman led Wales to the semifinals at the 2016 European Championship.
“I am so proud to have been given the honour of managing the National Team," Giggs told the Football Association of Wales (FAW) website.
"The challenges that we have ahead of us with the Nations League and qualification for UEFA EURO 2020 excite me a great deal.
“I can’t wait to start working with the players as we prepare for those crucial games later in the year.”
Giggs’ first game in charge will be in the 2018 China Cup against the hosts on 22 March in Nanning.
Giggs played 64 times for Wales but never made it to a major tournament.
The former Manchester United winger was a rarity in soccer, spending his entire playing career at one club. Giggs played a record 963 times for Manchester United and became British soccer's most decorated player.
Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW, said: “We are extremely delighted to see Ryan appointed as the National Team Manager.
"With his vast amount of experience having played, coached and managed the biggest club in the world, we are confident of a successful future for our national team.”