Iconic Giants quarterback Eli Manning huddles with Post columnist Steve Serby to talk his immediate future, his legacy and what it is like having the heir apparent franchise QB waiting in the wings.

Q: Why is this such a dream job for you?

A: Obviously it starts with the organization, you see an organization that’s just committed to doing everything for the players and the coaches, and they want to win. That’s all the Giants care about is going out there winning football games, doing things the right way, and supplying their players with whatever they need, and coaches. And so, you appreciate that, and you want to give back. Obviously, I love playing football and just everything that goes into it — the work, the training, the studying, the practices, the playing the games — and you get to do it for a class act organization and have great teammates and great coaches, and the friendships. I’ve just enjoyed every moment of it.

Q: How hard has the losing been on you?

A: It’s tough. That part’s obviously not fun. You work hard, you do everything to compete and to prepare and you give your heart out there, and to not kind of get that feeling sometimes of achievement and the feeling that all the work is worth it, you don’t get the rewards of the dedication out into it. And so that can be tough, but the only thing you can control is your attitude, the attitude of just keep working and keep grinding and keep trying to make adjustments to get better and figure out a way to get that winning feeling.

Q: Can you lead this team to the playoffs?

A: Yeah, I think with the guys we have and the team and the players, we can be a strong team and be a playoff team.

Q: Do you expect a short leash in case you’re eliminated from the playoffs?

A: I don’t know. Can’t worry about that.

Q: Would you like to retire a Giant?

A: Of course.

Q: How would you …

A: I don’t know why everybody’s so concerned with how things … I don’t think you ever think about the ending of stuff. Everybody’s, “When do you think? … How long do you want you play?” Hey, I’m playing right now, and I’m not concerned with how it will come to an end. I don’t know how it will. Eventually it will. We’ll figure it out.

Q: What if retiring a Giant requires you to be a backup?

A: I’m not worried about it.

Q: Do you dread the day that Pat Shurmur taps you on the shoulder and says, “We’re going with Daniel Jones?”

A: Well, I’m just not worried about it.

Q: How would you sum up Giants fans?

A: I think Giants fans are great. I think they’re passionate. Same deal: They expect to win, they want to win, they want the players to go out there and compete. … They’ll express their opinions, and they’ll express their emotions, and that’s fine. They’re loyal and they’re committed and they want greatness, and so when things aren’t going well, they can be upset, and I think they’re allowed to do that.

Q: What about the boobirds, how do you deal with that? There’s a segment of the Giants fans who want to see the new kid.

A: You can’t worry about that. My goal, and the team’s goal, is to go out there and compete and to play and to win. You play this game for your coaches and for the fans and to win, but we’re going out there and we have a job to do, and that’s all you can worry about.

Q: It doesn’t wound you at all? You’re human, you hear it.

A: It can’t affect you. If they’re booing at times, hey, something’s not going correct. When you go back out in the field, you have another drive and try to go make it right, make ’em cheer.

Q: Does Jones remind you of a young you?

A: There’s some similarities, and I appreciate the way he works and the way he handles his business, and I think he’s done a good job with everything.

Q: What was that period like when you were in the dark about whether you would be back this year? Were you concerned that maybe you wouldn’t be?

A: I didn’t know. I wasn’t quite sure. I wasn’t told I wasn’t gonna be back, but I knew I wanted to keep playing. I kept working out and wanted to be ready.

Q: What do you remember about your first home opener as the starter in 2005?

A: I think I threw a touchdown to [Jeremy Shockey] on a little fake trap play [in a 14-10 loss at Atlanta]. Besides that, I don’t remember a whole lot (smile).

Q: This could be your last home opener as a starter. What might your thoughts be heading to the stadium?

A: I think it’s the same as every game. You’ve woken up, you’re eating a little breakfast and just driving to the game, you’re listening to a little music, go in the locker room, get ready to go play football.

Q: What do you listen to?

A: A little country.

Q: Has this career been what you imagined it would be?

A: It’s tough to even imagine. When you come in and you’re a rookie and you’re playing, I don’t think you have an idea of what your career’s gonna be. You love the idea of trying to win a championship. Being able to do that a few times and make playoffs and win big games and fourth-quarter comebacks and all those things, you are excited, but I guess I haven’t reflected a whole lot on my career, try not to. … I’ve enjoyed it.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I think being a part of those special teams, obviously the championship teams you’re very proud of those teams and the friendships you make with those guys. Just competed every week, prepared the same every week, been totally dedicated to doing everything possible to be prepared and to play well and to win each and every game.

Q: Will your wife Abby and your four children will go to the game?

A: I think everyone’s coming.

Q: How old is Charlie now?

A: Seven months.

Q: What’s it like having a son, after three daughters?

A: It’s been great, it’s been great. No difference I don’t think with the son versus the girls at this point. He’s 7 months [old], so he’s moving around a little bit. But all the kids, they’re all different, they all have their personalities, and they make going home fun.

Q: Would you like Charlie to be a quarterback for the New York Giants some day?

A: I’d love for Charlie to be a quarterback for the New York Giants if that’s what he wants (smile). I’ve enjoyed everything football has done for me, and enjoyed these last 20 years, 25 years, 30 years of playing football, and the joys and the friends and life lessons. But if he hates football and wants to … who knows what he’s gonna do?

Q: Sportswriter?

A: (Chuckle) Sportswriter, there ya go. He’s gonna come intern for you.

Q: When do you think he’ll be ready to succeed Daniel Jones?

A: (Laugh) Exactly. Daniel has to have a long career. We’ll see, we’ll see, whatever happens.

Q: How would you sum up what it’s been like being quarterback of the New York Giants?

A: It’s been wonderful. I’ve enjoyed it, worked hard and won some games. We’ve had some great years, we’ve had tough years. That’s sports and football. But overall, I have no regrets. The good thing about playing sports is that you kind of get to choose what you want to remember, and you choose to remember the good things (smile).