Spectacular Scholes retires
MANCHESTER UNITED’S Paul Scholes, hailed by fellow professionals as one of the finest midfielders of his generation and a rare one-club man, yesterday confirmed his retirement from the game.
Scholes, whose last appearance came in Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, made his debut in 1994 and went on to accumulate 17 major titles, the equivalent of one every year, during United’s most successful era.
The 36-year-old, who came through the youth ranks with David Beckham and the Neville brothers, is set to stay at Old Trafford as part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff.
Scholes said in a statement: “This was not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing.”
World Cup-winning former France captain Zinedine Zidane once called Scholes “undoubtedly the finest midfielder of his generation”, while Barcelona and Spain star Xavi described him as “a spectacular player who has everything”.
Scholes won 66 England caps before retiring from international football in August 2004.
FINEST OF HIS GENERATION: SCHOLES
1992: Scholes, Beckham and the Nevilles help Man Utd win FA Youth Cup
2004: Reaches last eight of Euro 2004 but quits England duty for good weeks later
1994: Makes senior debut versus Ipswich, ends season with five goals in 17 games
2008: Hits winner against Barca to make Champions League final, which Utd win
1997: Scores on first England start against Italy at Le Tournoi in France
2011: Makes last appearance in defat to Barcelon