Ginger Ninja prepared to wave Goodbye on 5th August

VENUE: OLD TRAFFORD

TIME: 19:30 BST, 00:00 Midnight IST

Paul Scholes, this player does not need any introduction, his studs do the talking most of the times.

Scholesy

Paul Scholes, the Legendary Manchester United playmaker decided to hang up his boots at the end of the 2010-11 season and take up a coaching role with his first love, Manchester United.

The occasion of Paul Scholes’ testimonial is one to underscore all the gifts that this carrot-topped avenger bestowed upon Manchester United: the vision of his passing, the goals out of nothing, the modesty of his attitude, the ferocity of his work ethic. Paul Scholes, a professional on all fronts is one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation.

It is believed, Paul Scholes never had an agent and he never negotiated for wages while signing contract extensions with Manchester United. He accepted whatever Sir Alex Ferguson put in front of him.

The Legend will line up for the Red Devils one last time before ending his playing career, in a Friendly against New York Cosmos.

Many star players will line up in this match which includes ex-Red Devil, Eric Cantona.

Paul Scholes on his testimonial and retirement:

“This is going to be a big night for me and my family but one which I intend to enjoy and I will savour every moment,” he said. “I have spent my whole footballing life at Manchester United, so this will be an emotional farewell.

“This club is special in many ways but the fans are the best and I have always appreciated their support throughout my career. I hope they enjoy the night, especially seeing the Boss and Eric battling it out in front of the dug outs.”

Sir Alex Ferguson on Scholesy’s retirement:

“Paul’s retirement was typical of the man: low key, he was safe on holiday just so he could avoid any media interviews,” said the United manager. “However he won’t be able to hide away this time and it will be fantastic for the fans to be able to bid farewell to this exeptional footballer”

“The accolades he’s received have been well deserved but for me Paul is one of those players who turns up, plays his football and it is that natural ability that makes Paul unique and revered by many, including myself. It is sure to be a great night and a well deserved recognition for Paul.”

Paul Scholes Career Statistics:

Club	Season	League		Cup		League Cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Manchester United	1994–95	17	5	3	0	3	2	2	0	0	0	25	7
	1995–96	26	10	2	1	1	2	2	1	0	0	31	14
	1996–97	24	3	2	2	2	1	4	0	1	0	33	6
	1997–98	31	8	2	0	1	0	7	2	1	0	42	10
	1998–99	31	6	6	1	1	0	12	4	1	0	51	11
	1999–00	31	9	–		0	0	11	3	3	0	45	12
	2000–01	32	6	0	0	0	0	12	6	1	0	45	12
	2001–02	35	8	2	0	0	0	13	1	1	0	51	9
	2002–03	33	14	3	1	6	3	10	2	0	0	52	20
	2003–04	28	9	6	4	0	0	5	1	1	0	40	14
	2004–05	33	9	6	3	2	0	7	0	1	0	49	12
	2005–06	20	2	0	0	0	0	7	1	0	0	27	3
	2006–07	30	6	4	0	0	0	11	1	0	0	45	7
	2007–08	24	1	3	0	0	0	7	1	0	0	34	2
	2008–09	21	2	2	1	3	0	6	0	3	0	35	3
	2009–10	28	3	0	0	2	1	7	3	1	0	38	7
	2010–11	22	1	3	0	0	0	7	0	1	0	33	1
Total		466	102	44	13	21	9	130	26	15	0	676	150

Some Qoutes by famous players/personalities on Paul Scholes:

Thierry Henry : “I can’t understand why Scholes has never won the player of the year award. He should have won it long ago. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t seek the limelight like some of the other ‘stars’.”

Zinedine Zidane : “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation.”

Ray Wilkins : “I’m saddened because I think we as spectators, not only in this country but right through out Europe and the rest of the World, will be missing one hell of a footballer.”

Sir Bobby Charlton : “He’s always so in control and pinpoint accurate with his passing – a beautiful player to watch.”

Sir Alex Ferguson : “He has an awareness of what’s happening around him on the edge of the box which is better than most players. As a kid he always had a knack of arriving in the penalty area just at the right time, but he’s proving just as effective from outside the box because he’s using his experience in the right way.”

Steve Bruce : “He’s the best player in Britain in my opinion and he has to get himself fit just before we are due to play at Old Trafford. I cannot pay Paul a bigger compliment than to say that he’s the most complete footballer in the country. The best bar none.”

Laurent Blanc : “Scholes is the best English player. Intelligence, technique, strength… all the attributes are there. At Manchester United I saw what he could do on the training field. Phew!”

Edgar Davids : “I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is.”

And there are plenty more, you cannot stop speaking about him.

The level that Paul Scholes has set in the midfield, it would be nearly impossible for Manchester United to replace him. Because each player is unique in his own way, but no one can be as unique as Paul Scholes.

It is obvious, not only Manchester United fans, but also the rival fans will miss the epic presence of Paul Scholes on the field.

Good Luck, Ginger Ninja, keep spreading your magic, as a coach now.