Source: Daily_Mail
Paul Scholes retires
SharePaul Scholes has announced his retirement from professional football. [LNB]The veteran Manchester United midfielder has declined a new one-year deal, and will take up a coaching role at Old Trafford from next season.[LNB] Time's up: Scholes has announced his retirement from professional football [LNB]Scholes, 36, said: '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. [LNB]'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.'[LNB] Through the ages: Scholes has made 676 appearances for Manchester United over 17 years [LNB]Scholes, who scored twice on his United debut in the League Cup against Port Vale almost 17 years ago, added: 'I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career.[LNB]'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 Sir Alex 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.' [LNB] On target: The veteran midfielder will join United's coaching staff [LNB]Scholes' role within the United coaching set-up has still to be outlined, although there could be an opening available with the reserves, where Warren Joyce has been acting alone since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. [LNB]Scholes will also be granted a testimonial, that will take place in August. [LNB] Sealed with a kiss: Neville, who retired early this season, suggested Scholes should play on for one more year [LNB]'What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before,' said Sir Alex Ferguson. [LNB]'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. [LNB]'Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role.' [LNB] Coming through the ranks: Scholes graduated from United's academy with Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt [LNB]A member of the famed 'Class of 92', Scholes made an incredible 676 appearances, the last of which came as a substitute in Saturday's Champions League final.[LNB] He won 10 Premier League titles and, after missing the 1999 Champions League final through suspension, was part of the team that conquered Europe in 2008. [LNB]'It is very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world,' said United chief executive David Gill. [LNB]'We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the academy system in the 90s and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt. [LNB] Flying high: Ferdinand lauded Scholes as the 'best player of his generation' [LNB]'It is very important that the club keeps the associated with these great players and we are delighted that Paul will join the coaching staff.' [LNB]United defender Rio Ferdinand took to his Twitter account to hail Scholes as the top player of his generation. He wrote: 'Paul Scholes retires from football....the BEST player of his generation #fact loved every minute of playing football with him. [LNB]'Paul Scholes aka Sat Nav went from a scoring midfielder to a dictator of the game (changed his game while still at top of the game) #genius. [LNB]'Going to miss training with him + his cold cutting + dry comments on the bike while warming up next to me on any1 who deserves it! #funny.'[LNB] Double act: Yorke believes his former team-mate is the best player he's lined up alongside [LNB] Dwight Yorke also paid a glowing tribute to his former United team-mate. He told Sky Sports News: 'When you look back you talk about legends of the game, he's certainly up there. Twenty trophies since 1994 - he just seems to get better and better. [LNB]'I've had the honour of playing alongside him. The four years I've played alongside him, he is the best player, one of the first names on the manager's teamsheet.[LNB]'He is just a complete legend. There are not enough players like Paul Scholes around any more for my liking. 'Legend is over-used but this guy is right up there with the very best.' [LNB] Modric, Sneijder, Rodwell... who can fill the void left by United legend Scholes?Fergie pleads with Scholes to play on and pen one-year deal at Old TraffordDon't quit! Neville pleads with Scholes not to finish career after Euro finalSportsmail's guide to the candidates likely to replace United legend ScholesAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Paul Scholes, Alex Ferguson, David Gill, Dwight Yorke, Rio Ferdinand Places: Europe
