Fabio Capello has claimed Paul Scholes performed a World Cup U-turn on the eve of his squad announcement.
Scholes famously rejected a place in Capello's 30-man provisional squad, pointing out he had not been given enough time to make his decision. Capello has revealed the initial conversations between Scholes and Franco Baldini were positive, before the Manchester United star got in touch the following morning to confirm some bad news.
"Franco spoke with him in the evening and he said yes," Capello told ITV. "In the morning he said no because he preferred to stay at home."
As Scholes maintained his high standards into this season, producing man-of-the-match performances in the Community Shield and the opening Premier League match with Newcastle, there was further speculation the 35-year-old could be called up for the opening Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
However, it seems Scholes ruled that out as well.
"He said he is too old to play more games and in more competitions," said Capello. He prefers to be okay for Manchester United."
In a special interview for MUTV with former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand, Scholes acknowledged things were so bad in 2009, he was seriously considering whether to hang up his boots.
"At Christmas last season I did not think I would be playing in this one," he admitted. "I wasn't playing well enough.
"The season before last I had an injury for three months and then from Christmas onwards my form wasn't brilliant. Leading up to Christmas last year it still wasn't great.
"I wasn't playing as much as I would have liked but you need to be playing well to get into the team. I set myself high standards. I want to feel as though I am contributing to the team. If I am not doing that what is the point of being here."
Source: PA
