The Manchester United winger, 33, will earn his 64th and final cap against the Czechs at the weekend and revealed the decision had not been an easy one.

He told a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News: "I would like to announce Saturday will be my last game for my country. I feel this is a good time to retire and it's a difficult decision for me.

"I have loved playing for my country and I have loved captaining my country. I think it's the right time to do this. It wasn't an easy decision for me.

Wales coach John Toshack admitted the news had come as no great surprise and paid tribute to Giggs' contribution in his 16 years with the international set-up.

He said: "Ryan came to see me and I could see he was a little bit disturbed. I had an idea what might be coming.

"I would like to say it has been a privilege to have him as my captain, he has always set a terrific example to all the young lads in the squad.

"We shall certainly miss him. I think we are talking about a very special person here, 16 years on the international scene under quite a bit of pressure when he plays for Wales - probably more than when he does for his club.

"I would like to wish him all the very best and say just how much he has helped me."

Giggs now hopes to enjoy the remaining years of his club career but says he was put under no pressure to make his decision by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Giggs added on Sky Sports News: "I think it helps myself definitely because I get the breaks in the season and it helps Man United because I'm playing less football.

"And for Wales I don't think I've been playing as well as I should have so all three parties will benefit from this.

"I spoke to the manager before I came away and he said he will support me in everything I did.

"He said whatever I decided he would stand by decision and he was never going to suggest not playing for my country.

"Hopefully I am fresher and I can enjoy the last two or three years of my career."

Giggs admitted he was disappointed not have played at a major championship with Wales but had no regrets over how his career had panned out.

He said: "I have had a successful time at club level and that has not been in the case in my international career, as we haven't qualified.

"You want to play against the best players in tournaments and I have not done that but I have had a great career and hopefully there is still a lot to come. I am not going to sit here and moan."