The ginger haired maestro retires after spending 17 years as a Red Devil where he clocked 676 appearances and scored 150 goals. His career will continue at Utd in a coaching capacity.
Throughout his years Scholes proved to be an excellent goalscorer despite his shifting roles within the squad. Earlier he played as second striker to Andy Cole, later moving to midfield when Roy Keane was injured, and back again behind Ruud Van Nistelrooy after Juan Sebastian Veron joined the squad.
The video shows a lot of his goals and one is reminded of Scholes's blindingly quick feet and ability to burst out of almost nowhere. In later years he slowed down but he continued to dazzle with his precision passes and lovely through balls. In the 2010 World Cup England's lack of midfield creativity and cohesion was thoroughly exposed. In retrospect, Fabio Capello's desperation to woo Scholes back from international retirement after a dizzying display of delectable passing was fully understandable. But by then Scholes had also become somewhat of a liability for his poorly timed tackles.
His halting demeanour in his few TV appearances showed a man less surefooted in his public appearances. That low key temperament was part of the charm. Part of that too was his fealty to Utd where he spent his entire playing career. Scholes:
"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."
They rarely make them like Scholes anymore. He will be missed on the pitch not just by Utd but by all fans who love the game as it should be played.
Zinedine Zidane, no slouch when it comes to the label of the greatest midfielder paid the ultimate accolade in 2009, "Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest of his generation.". Enough said.
Kev: Not too shabby I've to say. That Paul Scholes he done alright, I reckon!
the ginger ninja!
“To me Paul is a role model. He is the best midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15 or 20 years.”
- Xavi
“No celebrity bullshit, no self promotion – an amazingly gifted player who remained an unaffected human being.”
- Roy Keane
“Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United – players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best, who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Ferguson era – and in so many ways Scholes is my favourite.”
- Sir Bobby Charlton
“My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.”
- Zinedine Zidane
“When he passes the ball it stays passed. The ball goes exactly where he wants it to. I have always loved him for that. I played against him once or twice and he is an absolute genius. He is a role model for anyone who wants to play football. He is a joy to watch. In fact, I wish he was 21, then I could see his career all over again.”
- Ian Holloway
“When it’s over I just want to be able to look in the mirror and say, ‘Well, you were a half-decent player”
- Paul Scholes