Paul Scholes retires from football
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After a Manchester United first-team career spanning 17 years and 676 appearances, Paul Scholes has confirmed his retirement from the game with immediate effect.
Having signed a one-year contract extension in April 2010, the 36-year-old had been a bit-part player over the last season and it was rumoured that he had grown frustrated and was considering retiring from playing.
"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 Alex Ferguson 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."
Salford-born Scholes, who joined United as a trainee in 1991 and went on to become a member of the stellar "class of 92", won 10 Premier League titles as well as two Champions Leagues and the three FA Cups.
United boss Ferguson added: "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."
The former England international will now remain at United as a member of the coaching staff from the start of the next campaign.
He will also be granted a testimonial, which will take place at Old Trafford in August.
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| Paul Scholes played his last game for Manchester United in the Champions League final Photo: Michael Regan/GETTY IMAGES |
Having signed a one-year contract extension in April 2010, the 36-year-old had been a bit-part player over the last season and it was rumoured that he had grown frustrated and was considering retiring from playing.
"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," Scholes told the club's official website.
"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 Alex Ferguson 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."
Salford-born Scholes, who joined United as a trainee in 1991 and went on to become a member of the stellar "class of 92", won 10 Premier League titles as well as two Champions Leagues and the three FA Cups.
United boss Ferguson added: "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."
The former England international will now remain at United as a member of the coaching staff from the start of the next campaign.
He will also be granted a testimonial, which will take place at Old Trafford in August.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
