Ryan Giggs has labelled Wales' European Championship quarter-final victory over Belgium as the best result in his country's footballing history.

Wales beat Belgium 3-1 on Friday night in Lille to progress to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 against Portugal on Wednesday.

Giggs, who was appearing as a pundit on ITV's Euros highlights programme as he prepares to leave Manchester United after 29 years, said what Chris Coleman's side had achieved will go down in history.

Ryan Giggs was appearing as a pundit on ITV's highlights programme the European Championship in France

Giggs labelled Wales' 3-1 victory over Belgium on Friday night as the best result in Welsh footballing history

Asked how he felt watching the Welsh players celebrate in Stade Pierre Mauroy, he said: 'I'm so proud.'

'It’s quite simply the greatest night in Welsh history, the best result in Welsh football history but what was more more impressive was that it was the best performance... to make a team ranked second in the world look ordinary was impressive.’

Giggs, who scored 12 goals in 64 senior appearances for Wales, revealed that after former manager Gary Speed died in 2011, the nation needed hope and something to believe in.

'it was a difficult time (when Coleman took over in 2012),' he said.

Giggs praised Chris Coleman, the Wales manager, for allowing his country to believe and have hope again

'Him and Gary Speed were really close. He felt the pressure early on. The bad times can help you going forward. He's stuck to a system and everyone knows their jobs.

'The effect this performance will have on Welsh football you can't comprehend. There might be kids thinking rugby or football and they'll be watching this thinking football.'

Giggs flew out to France this week after preparing to leave his job as assistant manager at United after he rejected a significantly reduced coaching role under new manager Jose Mourinho.

The former winger would have been aware of Mourinho's attempts to lure Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford - something the United manager was successful in doing on Friday.

42-year-old also said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a 'terrific signing' after he joined United on Friday

Ibrahimovic, who has signed a one-year deal, will be a success at United and could help further develop Marcus Rashford, according to Giggs.

He said: 'I think it's a terrific signing. At United we were short of goals last season and he's a proven goal-scorer. As a player, you see a winner. You see character and a bit of class.