November 13th 2024.
Former England and Manchester United player Paul Scholes, a legend in both football realms, recently opened up about his decision to retire from playing in 2013. In an interview on the Football's Greatest podcast, he revealed that he "knew it was the end" for his playing career after facing former Tottenham star Gareth Bale during the 2012-2013 season.
Scholes, who had been a key player for Manchester United for almost two decades, made over 700 appearances for his beloved club and lifted ten Premier League trophies under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. After retiring in 2011, he was convinced to come back for one more season before ultimately hanging up his boots for good.
Looking back, Scholes admits that it was a "mistake" to agree to return for another season. He recalls a particularly humbling afternoon during a home game against Tottenham, where Bale had become one of the most devastating players in the Premier League and would soon join Real Madrid in a record-breaking deal.
"I remember playing against Gareth Bale and I knew I couldn't compete with him," Scholes shared. "It was a special moment, but I didn't really want it. I wanted to go away quietly. I didn't even want to play the last game, and even that confirmed I was doing the right thing."
Scholes, who earned 66 caps for England, is often hailed as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Even all-time great Zinedine Zidane once described him as "the complete midfielder." Recently, Scholes also revealed the toughest opponents he had faced during his time at Manchester United, including the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Zidane.
Since retiring, Scholes has become a highly-respected football pundit, working with BT Sport and Premier League Productions. His insights and analysis have been well-received by fans and experts alike, solidifying his legacy in the football world.
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