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marko wrote:Man Utd midfielder Paul Scholes retires aged 36
Page last updated at 08:11 GMT, Tuesday, 31 May 2011 09:11 UK
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Exclusive Paul Scholes interview in full
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement at the age of 36, with immediate effect.

Scholes made his United debut in 1994 and played for them 676 times, and will now join the club's coaching staff.

"This was not a decision I've taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing," he said.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The famously-low key Scholes said "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"To have been part of the team that helped the Club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

Zinedine Zidane once commented "My toughest opponent? Scholes. He is undoubtedly the greatest player of his generation", while Thierry Henry said "Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership has to be Scholes... He knows how to do everything." When asked about Paul Scholes Manchester United and England hero Bobby Charlton lauded him, "Paul is always so in control and pin-point accurate with his passing—a beautiful player to watch." Whilst Marcello Lippi remarked that Scholes is "an all-round midfielder who possesses quality and character in abundance." BBC football pundit and former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen has described Scholes as "one of the top three to five players to have ever played in the Premier League" and commented "his passing, movement and technique set examples to everyone." Current Manchester United team-mate Nani praised Scholes, stating "He’s the best midfielder I’ve ever seen. He can pass, score goals with his left, right, his head – he can do anything." On several occasions, team-mate Wayne Rooney has cited Scholes as the best player he has ever played with.

In February 2011, Barcelona midfielder Xavi, also rated Scholes as the best player in his position in the past two decades. He said of the Englishman: "A role model. For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him."

TOWER OF STRENGTH wrote:Great player. In his early years a goal scoring midfielder with a fearsome shot, in the latter years a playmaker in CM. Throughout his passing has always been impecible. As usual England didn't make the most out of his talents, shamelessly dumping him on the left wing for Euro 2004.

Maradona wrote:

TOWER OF STRENGTH wrote:Great player. In his early years a goal scoring midfielder with a fearsome shot, in the latter years a playmaker in CM. Throughout his passing has always been impecible. As usual England didn't make the most out of his talents, shamelessly dumping him on the left wing for Euro 2004.

marko wrote:he is joining the coaching staff, very good news!!! now he can teach the english kids how to be comfortable on the ball, hope Giggs does the same as well

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.

The 36-year-old helped his club to a record-breaking 19th league title this season, but his last appearance was in the disappointing UEFA Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday.

Salford-born Scholes, who joined United as a trainee in 1991 and went on to become a member of the stellar 'class of 92', will now remain at Old Trafford as a member of the coaching staff, possibly with the reserve team, from the start of the next campaign.

Having signed a one-year contract extension in April 2010, the former England international had been a bit-part player over the last season and it was rumoured that he had grown frustrated and was considering retiring from playing.


After 676 club appearances, Scholes confirmed what had become the inevitable on Tuesday morning, but boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains full of admiration, as he told United's official website: "What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before.

Unbelievable player

"We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

Scholes made his Premier League debut on 24th September 1994 against Ipswich and by 1998 was a regular first-team player for both United and England.

The ever-humble midfielder helped United to their historic Treble in 1999, although he missed the dramatic Champions League final due to suspension, and was a part of the England squads at both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."
Sir Alex Ferguson Quotes of the week

Scholes retired from international football on 3rd August 2004 in order to focus on his club career and he went on to become one of United's most decorated players after a succession of trophies, including the 2008 Champions League.

Real honour

He said: "I am not a man of many words, but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing.

"To have been part of the team that helped the Club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

United chief executive David Gill said: "It is very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world.

"We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the Academy system in the 90s and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt.

"It is very important that the club keeps the associated with these great players and we are delighted that Paul will join the coaching staff."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 42,00.html

Skylolo wrote:Great player...deserved every medal he won. Was at his best IMO when he had that burst of pace and power that made him such a threat going forward. A true pro as well who changed his game like Ryan Giggs when the legs were not there anymore this is a great quality in any player and a sign of real talent.

But let us not get ahead of ourselves here..... best midfielder of his generation, best playmaker, best player etc etc is going too far. He was a excellent all round midfield player but a cut below the very best.

Legend though!