WHEN it comes to the prime example of how to prolong your career as a footballer, there’s presently one stand-out figure everyone aspires to.

As Manchester United look to the Champions League final on the back of another Premier League title, Ryan Giggs is the epitome of professionalism.

With his 12th league winner’s medal in the bag, the 37-year-old remains a pivotal figure for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Dropping down the division’s is not on Giggs’ radar.

But, for Nobby Solano, Hartlepool United’s newest recruit, playing in League One next season represents a new chapter.

And it’s one the amiable Peruvian is relishing. The current season has yet to close; the 36-year-old can’t wait for the next one to start.

“Probably I was thinking last year about retirement, but I want to finish playing football, I don’t want football to finish me,’’ he admitted.

“I’ve not said ‘I don’t want to train’, or start moaning or something like that – that’s the time to retire and I don’t feel that way.

“I still feel I can carry on and you see players at all levels, in the Premier League, footballers playing and you think ‘oh my god he’s still playing’.

“Ryan Giggs is the motivation for all players now, he is still playing and still performing at the top level.

“Of course, playing for Manchester United you are playing at a different level, with good players all around you so maybe you don’t need to run so much as they always keep the ball well.

“My day (to retire) will come, but next season may likely be my last season. In a year’s time, we will see, but I have to be realistic.

“At the moment I am fine, happy and wait and see.’’

When he signed for Newcastle United in 1998 from Boca Juniors for £2.5m, the midfielder was entering new territory.

But the first Peruvian to play in England soon fell in love with the North-East; Tyneside equally with him.

Now, as he returns to the region, the adopted Geordie feels like his is returning to his roots, as he again links up with Pools’ coach Mick Wadsworth, who was on the coaching staff at St James’ Park.

“It’s always nice to be back in the North-East. Even when I’ve been playing at Leicester and Hull, I’ve been back here because I still have good friends in Newcastle, family members,’’ he said.

“I’m always excited for the challenge ahead. I know the division is quite tough and the division is similar to the Championship where I have been playing.

“Mick is the main reason I’m here, he said to me ‘do you want to come here and play football?’ that made me happy. I will try to get fit, that is the main thing, be professional and I’m excited it will be a good challenge.

“I played 12 games for Hull last season and I would have liked to play more, I have a good relationship with Nigel Pearson, but decisions are there like that for the manager to make.

“Some players left the club, he bought players in who needed to play, there was a big change in players so I understood the situation.

“Now I am happy to be here and play football, that’s what I want to do.

“When you retire you want to leave football, you have had enough of it. For others, football leaves you when you don’t want it to.

“Now I want to get fit on the pitch and make a good impression and try my best to help the club.’’

Solano’s time on Tyneside was littered with FA Cup final appearances, Champions League campaigns and top six Premier League finishes.

While, for Pools, a top ten League One finish would represent further progress on the back of this season’s encouraging development, he is hoping to win over the Victoria Park faithful in the same manner he did at St James’ Park.

Pools are already homing in on 1,000 season ticket sales since they launched their £100 offer for next season and Solano said: “I was in the North-East to play for Newcastle and I had a very good relationship with the supporters and I hope for the same at Hartlepool.

“I believe it is because I am honest, I like to work at the club and give my best – at Newcastle, fortunately for me, we had a great period at the club with Bobby (Robson) and we made the Champions League.

“Football is a challenge and I like a challenge, the chance to come here, train, get fit, play football and look forward.’’