Evans said: “Unfortunately, United will now see the best of him, I have to think like that being a Liverpool man.

“But with players now days getting little time off, and with internationals too, Ryan will benefit now and so will United.

“Working with him is easier than when he was playing against me, particularly when I was manager at Liverpool.

“At least he was not beating us, causing us problems and tearing full-backs apart. That was difficult, but it has been a great pleasure to have worked with him and seen the way he plays.

“He has been a great advert for football, certainly one of the very best I have worked with. Wales have never been at the top, but in club football Ryan is up there with the very best.

“You do not play for Manchester United unless you are a great player, and there’s no doubt in my mind he is definitely that.

“He has matured with age, learnt more about the game and can play in several positions. But he is the ultimate professional, in great condition and his attitude to the game is top class. That is what has kept him at the top.”

He added: “Sometimes the onus on Ryan has been a burden for him with Wales because he plays for a top team and he is expected to win games on his own. That’s not always easy, so the relief from that will be nice for him.

“He has been a great captain, a help with the youngsters and done a great job for us. I hope he will have one last great game for his country in him.”

Evans continued: “Ryan told John Toshack while we were in Wrexham last week, he did it the right way with a private chat before anyone else knew.

“We have to respect that. He has been at the top for over 17 years, which is a phenomenal achievement to play at the highest level for so long.

“You have to accept his decision and we wish him luck in his international retirement as well his time now at Manchester United.

“One man doesn’t make a team, he has been a great individual. But we have young lads coming through and they have to take up the challenge now.

“They must achieve themselves. They may not be the next Ryan Giggs but they must become a major part in the Welsh set-up. There’s half a dozen who can do that.”

Toshack added: “When Ryan came to see me, I had an idea what it was all about.

“But it has been a privilege to have worked with him and had him as my captain. He sets a terrific example for all the young lads and we will certainly miss him.

“He has been a very special player for over 16 or so years. There has been so much pressure on him when he has played for his country but he has always helped me and done a lot of great work with the youngsters.

“I have told him that he may think that when he stops playing it is the end of life, but really it is just the beginning for him and I can only thank him for what he has done for Wales and wish him well in the future.”

Fulham midfielder Simon Davies added his praise, saying: “It has been a privilege to have played alongside him for Wales.

“He is such a great talent we will certainly miss him. It was something of a surprise when he made his announcement after training, he stood up and told us all the Czech game would be his last.

“The rest of the lads booed, but that showed how much he has meant to us all.

“Maybe now is the time for some of the other senior players to step forward and take responsibility. But it’s a hard act to follow.”