Ryan Giggs was enjoying a night out with friends at Hale on Saturday night when he was joined for the evening by former teammate Nicky Butt.
The former Manchester United and Wales footballer, 48, enjoyed dinner and drinks at Cibo Hale Italian restaurant.
And his outing comes after the sportsman learned last month that a retrial was ordered against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville on allegations of domestic abuse.
Old friends: Ryan Giggs, 48, enjoyed dinner and drinks with old teammate Nicky Butt and a pal in Hale on Saturday
Ryan donned a navy blue polo shirt for the evening, which featured a stitched white detail on the sleeve
While Nicky, who was a midfielder for Manchester United, matched his longtime pal in opting for a navy blue shirt.
Seated at a table with red wine, beer and sparkling water, the pair were joined by another friend as they appeared deep in conversation.
Nicky and Ryan have been friends for years after the latter signed for Manchester United in 1991 – Nicky joined two years later.
Going out: The former Manchester United and Wales footballer donned a navy blue polo shirt as he ate dinner and enjoyed drinks at Italian restaurant Cibo Hale
Premier League: Nicky and Ryan have been friends for years after the latter signed for Manchester United in 1991 – Nicky joined two years later (pictured 2014)
Last month, Ryan said he was “obviously disappointed” that a retrial on domestic violence allegations was ordered against his ex-girlfriend Kate, as he has to wait at least 10 months to know his fate.
In a statement, he thanked “my legal team, my mother, my children, my girlfriend Zara and my closest friends for their support during this time.”
The former Welsh manager is accused of assaulting 38-year-old Kate and her 26-year-old sister Emma in a liquor-fueled row at his multi-million pound home in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
Squad: Ryan and Nicky in 2014 with former teammates Gary Neville, Raphael Burke, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Robbie Savage, Raimond van der Gouw, John O’Kane, Mikael Silvestre, Quinton Fortune
He is also charged with coercive and controlling behavior towards public relations executive Kate over three years – allegations he denies.
The retrial came after prosecutors decided to launch a criminal prosecution against the ex-footballer after a jury failed to reach a verdict after a three-week trial.
Ryan said in a statement: “After more than three weeks in court, I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered. My plea of not guilty to all charges stands. I am confident that eventually justice will be served and my name cleared of all allegations.
“I would like to thank my legal team, my mother, my children, my girlfriend Zara and my closest friends for their support during this time. I understand the great interest and scrutiny in this case, but I would ask that my privacy and that of my family be respected in the coming weeks and months.’
During a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the judge granted a request from prosecutors for a second trial. Giggs was excused from attending.
Peter Wright QC, Prosecutor, told Judge Hilary Manley: “We are seeking a retrial in relation to Mr Giggs.
“The matter was considered at a high level within the Crown Prosecution Service and the complainant’s willingness to testify, although not decisive to the matter, was also considered.
“They indicate a corresponding readiness. We therefore ask you to set a date for a re-hearing of this matter.’
Judge Manley set a trial date for July 31, 2023, the closest date available to both prosecution and defense attorneys, for a trial expected to last three to four weeks.
Legal troubles: Last month, Ryan said he was “obviously disappointed” that a retrial on domestic abuse allegations was ordered against his ex-girlfriend Kate, as he has to wait at least 10 months to know his fate