Ryan Giggs (R) of Manchester United argues with referee Lee Mason during the Capital One Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Manchester United in London, Britain, on Oct. 31, 2012. Manchester United lost 4-5. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Christmas has come early for dozens of homeless people. Two of Manchester United's famous icons played Santa Claus by giving them a roof over their heads over the forthcoming festive period and cold winter months.
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, two of the all-time greats at United, are allowing a historic building they own in Manchester city center to be occupied by homeless squatters over the next few months.
The two players-turned-businessmen have bought a stunning architectural gem, once home to the city's Stock Exchange, to convert into a luxury hotel and spa.
Squatters had already moved into the ornate building, and feared being evicted after homeless people were forced to leave a nearby building.
Instead, Neville said the homeless people could stay in the building, providing they take care of it.
Hundreds of people heaped praise on the duo across various social media, hailing Neville and Giggs for their gesture.
Wesley Hall, leader of homeless campaign group Manchester Angels, told local media how he spoke to Neville on the phone, and was told that the group would be allowed to stay for a "few months" during the winter.
Hall said the former Manchester United star also promised more help for homeless people.
He added Neville's gesture would save lives, admitting he was so overwhelmed by the gesture, he was crying by the time he finished speaking with the star.
Hall said: "What a great guy Neville is. We've been in negotiations with him and things are looking good. He said the main building work isn't taking place until February, so we'll be okay to stay until then. I'm just in shock. He's such an amazing guy. He told me he's always tried to help out homeless people in Manchester, but wanted to do more."
"He knows we'll look after the building and make proper use of it until the building work starts. This isn't a long term thing, but we'll have so much going on in here to help people," he added.
Gary Neville (L) of England's Manchester United vies with Lucas of Japan's Gamba Osaka during their semifinal at the FIFA Club World Cup 2008 in Yokohama Internatioal Stadium in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2008. Manchester United won 5-3 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua/Ren Zhenglai)
Between 30 and 50 homeless people currently live in the building Neville and Giggs bought for over 2.3 million U.S. dollars.
Wesley Dove, who has been living in a tent for 12 months, said: "It's a beautiful building. Now we know we can stay, we can start doing work. It is a bit of security for winter."
The local planning committee in Manchester has already granted the go-ahead to turn the Stock Exchange in Norfolk Street, Manchester, into a 35-bedroom luxury hotel, with a gym, spa, roof terrace for members and a ground-floor restaurant.
So far, Neville and Giggs have not made any public comment about their gesture.
