Friday 3 June 2011

Paul Scholes (The greatest midfielder ever?)

WAYNE ROONEY hailed Paul Scholes as the best he has ever played with as the legendary Manchester United midfielder announced his retirement.
For a player who famously avoids the spotlight, the weight of praise falling down on Scholes' red head yesterday would have left him blushing.
After a 17-year career which brought him 10 Premier League titles and a Champions League winner's medal, he will focus now on coaching at the only club for which he has played.

Striker Rooney led the applause for the star with the touch, vision and finishing that has been envied by the greats.
Rooney said: "He will be missed greatly. He is definitely the best player I've played with.
"I tried to ask him what he was doing but you don't get much out of him.
"I didn't think it would come this quickly. Everyone will be sad to see him stop. He is a great player."
At least Rooney will no longer be on the end of the only part of the game Scholes could never seem to master... tackling. Roo said: "I saw him doing it every day.
"Sometimes he gets the ball, other times he doesn't. I just try to get out of the way."
Scholes played 676 games for United, scoring 150 goals.
The 36-year-old's decision will leave Ryan Giggs, 37, as the last of the famous FA Youth Cup-winning class of '92 still playing for United.
Scholes had been with the Red Devils since he was 14 and made his debut in 1994.
He retired from international football in 2004 after growing sick of playing out of position.
England boss Fabio Capello tried to get him back for last year's World Cup but Scholes turned down the offer of adding to his 66 caps - a decision he later admitted regretting.
England's failure at international level and Scholes' dislike of the celebrity spotlight stopped him from being recognised with individual honours on the world stage.

Even in retirement, Scholes was understated. He said: "I'm not a man of many words but playing football is all I have ever wanted to do. To have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.
"This was not a decision I've taken lightly but I feel now is the right time to stop playing.
"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege.
"I'd like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career, I'd also like to thank all the coaches and players I have worked with. But most of all I would like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for being such a great manager. From the day I joined the club his door has always been open and this team will go on to win many more trophies under his leadership."
Fergie said: "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.
"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."
When his peers were asked about Scholes they were always gushing with praise.
When it was put to Edgar Davids at the peak of his powers that the Dutchman was the best midfielder in the world, he replied: "I'm not the best, Paul Scholes is.
"Every one of us is just trying to become as good as him. Everyone can learn from Paul Scholes."
Zinedine Zidane was a Champions League and World Cup winner and regarded as one of the greatest to ever touch a football.

Yet he said: "My toughest opponent? Scholes. He is the complete midfielder. He is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation."
Scholes played his final game as a sub in Saturday's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
One man was determined to swap shirts with him.
Xavi said: "He was the best central midfielder that I have seen. The most complete.
"He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn't give possession away. If he had been Spanish, maybe he would have been valued more."
Maybe he was right.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3610897/Wayne-Rooney-hailed-Paul-Scholes-as-the-best-he-has-ever-played-with-as-the-legendary-Manchester-United-midfielder-announced-his-retirement.html#ixzz1ODeD1Sey