Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has heaped praise on Javier Zanetti, describing the Inter Milan great as the "hardest" opponent of his career.

With the duo having chosen to end their playing days in 2014, both men are widely regarded as among the best players to represent their previous clubs.

Although Giggs is viewed as one of the best wingers of his generation, the Welshman has revealed that he rates Zanetti as his toughest foe.

Speaking on the MUTV Group Chat, Giggs said: "The hardest player I played against was Zanetti from Inter Milan.

"He ran all day and he used to be a midfielder so he was comfortable on the ball, he could defend, he was tough and he actually broke my nose in the [1999] quarter-finals against them."

Giggs made 963 outings for United during his career, while Zanetti played for Inter on 858 occasions.