News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Footballer Joey Barton has attacked birthday boy Ryan Giggs - saying the Manchester United star is "a wrongun" for sleeping with his brother's wife.

The controversial QPR midfielder launched his sensational attack as the footballing world paid tribute to the winger on his 40th birthday.

Writing on Twitter, Barton said: "Giggs has done unbelievable to get to 40. Still a vital player for United. Some career he's had. The British Paulo Maldini.

"Still can't have him for getting up his brother's bird though. Great player but can't be doing that. No matter how much of a top player he is.

"Respect him as a player. But as a man, you do not do that to your own. He is a wrongun in my book."

Barton's comments tonight come after it emerged in 2011 that Giggs had been having an affair with his brother's wife Natasha Giggs.

Speaking to The Sun at the time, she said she was a "fool" to risk her marriage to Rhodri for the "thrilling" relationship.

The 29-year-old said her liaisons with Giggs had become "seedy" and added: "At the beginning it was thrilling to know that someone as famous and admired as Ryan wanted to be in bed with me.

"But by the end the whole thing had become so seedy. I still can't believe what a fool I was to risk what we had all for the thrill of having sex with Ryan."

David Moyes today paid tribute to Giggs who is celebrating his 40th birthday .

The manager said: "He's respected by everyone in the dressing-room because of what he's done and what he's achieved in football.

"Undoubtedly Ryan's at the top because of his longevity, the time he's played for one club, the amount of games he's played, what he's done in the Premier League and Europe.

"Every season you can look through and see Ryan Giggs moments. I just think to be playing so well at his age is terrific.

"He's a great example to young players of how you should dedicate yourself to your career, and also to players in their early to mid-30s, who think maybe they're coming to the end.

"But if you really look after yourself and train well, it can maybe go on a lot longer for you."