The Final Season - PAUL SCHOLES

In 2011, a 37 year old retired football player who was relishing the Christmas Season with his family never ever thought, what was going to happen with him in the coming days. The new year celebration began and he got a call from his coach, Sir Alex Ferguson. And the boss said, “Its time to return, Paul!” Indeed, it was time to return for the legendary Manchester United midfielder – Paul Scholes.

Born in Salford, Greater Manchester on 16 November 1974, Paul Scholes began and ended his professional football career at Manchester United Football Club. After serving for his football club for almost two decades, Scholes announced his retirement on 31st May, 2011. Although, he joined the coaching staff at Old trafford after his testimonial match on 5 August 2011 to honour his 17 years of service to the club. However, it wasn’t the end of the career of the Legend. He was about to return! Due to Manchester United’s injury crisis in December 2011, Paul Scholes made a stunning return out of his career against the local rivals Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on 8 January, 2012 in a FA Cup tie. United went on to win the match 2-3 in which Scholes came on as a substitute in the second half. He made his first start in the next game against Bolton Wanderers,where he scored his first goal since returning in a 3–0 victory at Old Trafford, converting a Wayne Rooney pass. This meant he had scored at least one goal in every season in the Premier League since 1994-95. And on 30 May,Scholes signed a one-year extension with Manchester United,keeping him at the club until 2013

And now, here we stand. The new season has began. Manchester United faced a opening day defeat against Everton and a 3-2 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford. Scholes will be included as one of the important player of the squad for the 2012-13 season as he carries experience with him to teach the young lads at the club.

Paul Scholes, the ‘midfield maestro’ is undoubtedly considered as one of the best players in the game of football. But in an interview a month before, Scholes cleared said that this is ‘surely’ the last season he would play professional football. Being won 10 Premier League Titles and twice UEFA Champions League Trophy including the famous 1999 victory over Bayern Munich at Barcelona, Scholes was a member of the famous ‘Class of 1992′ squad which won a number of Trophies for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Paul Scholes famous for his passing perfection, a game maker, the goals-scoring midfielder and for his trademark goals, will not be seen from the next season. Being a Manchester United fan, I’ve always admired Paul Scholes and for me he will be the ‘best player of all time’.

But for now, all we can do is relish watching the “one club man” for the last time this particular season. Scholes efforts and hard work over the years has resulted in the success he has achieved in his career for Manchester United and England. His determination to Football will always be remembered. His passing perfection, control over ball, love towards the club and the list wouldn’t stop! Sir Alex Ferguson has said a several times, “Paul Scholes can not be replaced!” Indeed, its right. Scholes is irreplaceable…..

“AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, I WANTED TO PLAY FOOTBALL”- Paul Scholes