By Chris Wright
I think we all had a feeling this was coming.
After winning 10 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and three FA Cups in his 676 appearances for the club, Manchester United vet Paul Scholes has announced this morning that he has retired from the game ‘with immediate effect’ and that he will now be joining the coaching staff at Old Trafford as of next season.
Speaking via United’s website, 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.”
“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,”
“I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career.
“I would also like to thank all the coaches and players that I have worked with over the years, but most of all I would like to thank Sir Alex for being such a great manager, from the day I joined the club his door has always been open and I know this team will go on to win many more trophies under his leadership.”
Sir Alex Ferguson also had his five-penneth:
“What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before? 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.”
More to follow…