Samuel Zhang looks at the glittering career of Ryan Giggs, who set a record of scoring in 17 seasons of the Premier League.

You wouldn't have put your money on Ryan Giggs scoring with his right foot.

But when he did net a goal against West Ham on Sunday evening, it helped Giggs maintain his record of scoring in all 17 seasons since the inauguration of the Premier League in the 1992/93 season.

Apart setting a personal record, Giggs' 62nd minute strike also helped Manchester United seal a 1-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park. How the Welsh wizard scored the goal, was indeed a sight to behold, even for the Hammers faithful.

Giggs dribbled in from the left flank, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is a 35-year-old, and unleashed a right-footed shot past West Ham keeper Robert Green. Giggs is no spring chicken. His goal however, was a throwback to his younger days on the left for the Red Devils.

Giggs' hair may have grey somewhat. His performance for United though, is an indication of his immense talent, which was nurtured painstakingly by Sir Alex Ferguson. Giggs made his top-flight debut against Everton nearly 18 years ago.

Former United defender Gary Pallister remembers the first time he watched Giggs play at the tender age of 15, and recognised his immense potential.

"I'd just joined Manchester United," remembers Pallister.

"I was living in a hotel, there was very little to do, and I went to see an FA Youth Cup match at Old Trafford.

"Paul Ince and I sat in the directors' box with Alex Ferguson and he said: 'There's a kid playing tonight who's going to be special.'

"Ryan was still at school. I think he was 15, and we saw this spindly little pipe cleaner of a footballer running amok on the left-hand side. You could see straight off that he had a special gift."

And while there are temptations to compare him to the late George Best, Giggs was certainly in a league of his own. His electric pace, eye for a killer pass and dribbling skills have become the hallmarks of his abilities.

Now well into veteran status at Old Trafford, Giggs remains an important player in Ferguson's team. That is attributed to his commitment to become a model professional footballer.

Giggs resisted the temptations and distractions of wealth and fame, and instead, developed a desire to succeed that matches their ability. 10 Premiership titles, four FA Cup wins, two Champions League trophies and two League Cup triumphs are a testament of his dedication to success.

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola, who played until he was 37, can see Giggs carrying on even longer, told The Mirror after the match: "It would have been better for me if he had stayed in Manchester.

"But when you have such a talent, it is all down to desire - if you have the hunger to keep challenging yourself all the time, you can play for many years. When I was his age, I just didn't want to give up. That's why I kept playing for so long."

Ferguson has called for a knighthood for Giggs, but for the evergreen Welsh wizard, the 11th Premiership title will do just fine.

Ryan Giggs Factfile

Born: 29/11/73
Club: Man Utd
Debut: 2 Mar, 1991 v Everton
Appearances: 553
Goals: 102
Premiership titles: 10
FA Cups: 4
Champions League: 2
League Cups: 2
Wales caps: 64
Wales goals: 12