Eli Manning retirement: New York Giants pay tribute to long-serving quarterback

Long-serving New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is set to confirm his retirement from the NFL.

The two-time Super Bowl MVP, who turned 39 earlier this month, will officially call time on his 16-year professional career on Friday, the Giants announced on Wednesday night.

The no1 pick in the 2004 NFL draft, Manning made a total of 234 starts and 248 overall appearances for the Giants after being famously traded by the Los Angeles Chargers for a package that included fourth selection Philip Rivers.

He led the franchise to Super Bowl victories over the formidable New England Patriots in 2007 and 2011, with that first victory coming against a team that were huge favourites to complete a perfect unbeaten season.

Manning - a member of the famous footballing family that includes father Archie and older brother Peyton - holds a plethora of all-time Giants records, though was benched for the first time in 2017.

Though he later resumed his starting role, the four-time Pro-Bowler featured in just four games last season as the Giants opted to persevere with first-round rookie Daniel Jones.

"For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field," said Giants president and CEO John Mara.

"Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise's history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability.

"It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us.

"We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."