Source: Daily_Mail
Paul Scholes: Even I thought I would have retired from Manchester United by now
Paul Scholes has admitted at Christmas last year he thought he would have retired by now.[LNB]The veteran Manchester United star is currently one of the most talked about players in the Premier League.[LNB]Fabio Capello tried - and failed - to talk him out of international retirement in order to play a part in England's ultimately dismal World Cup campaign and successive man-of-the-match performances in the Community Shield and opening day Premier League win over Newcastle confirm the 35-year-old is on top form once more.[LNB] Still going strong: Scholes admits he considered quitting the game last year[LNB]Yet, while 2010 will go down as one of Scholes' best years as a professional, in his eyes, 2009 was one of the worst.[LNB]And, in a special interview for MUTV with former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand, Scholes acknowledged things were so bad, he was seriously considering whether to hang up his boots.[LNB]'At Christmas last season I did not think I would be playing in this one,' he admitted. 'I wasn't playing well enough.[LNB]'The season before last I had an injury for three months and thenfrom Christmas onwards my form wasn't brilliant. Leading up toChristmas last year it still wasn't great.[LNB]'I wasn't playing as much as I would have liked but you need to be playing well to get into the team.[LNB] Bang in form: Scholes showed the young ones how it's done with this wonder-strike against Fulham[LNB]'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.'[LNB]Fortunately, Sir Alex Ferguson had other ideas.[LNB]The United boss reassured Scholes he was still making a valuable contribution to the Red Devils cause and after taking the club to within a point of what would have his 10th Premier League title, Capello made his move.[LNB]Scholes has already admitted he regrets saying no to the under-fire England chief.[LNB]However, the summer break does mean he is fresh at the moment and ready to make a positive impact when his appearances start to get rationed as the games mount up.[LNB]'The manager has handled me, Ryan and Gary the same way for the last couple of seasons and I am sure this season will be no different,' he said.[LNB] Calming words: Sir Alex let Scholes know just important he was to the side[LNB]'If I am playing well enough, maybe I will play 25 or 30 games. You want to play every game but at our age, you can't.'[LNB]Scholes has now sidelined any talk of retirement and intends to keep going as long as he legs can carry him.[LNB]Ferguson recently spoke of the possibility United's ageing heroes could maintain a career at the highest level until they were 40. Yet even that date is not too far away, leaving the Salford-born star to contemplate what lies ahead.[LNB]'I want to stay in football,' he said. 'I started my coaching badges towards the end of last season. Hopefully I can get the first part done at some point this year.'[LNB] Bebe blunder! Manchester United could have had £7.4m signing for £125kCarragher: Owen deserves Anfield respect despite joining rivals UnitedWayne Rooney is back! Fabio Capello insists England talisman will dazzle BulgariaMANCHESTER UNITED FC
