Paul Scholes retires and takes Manchester United coaching role

36-year-old will join Old Trafford coaching staff next season
Scholes: A video appreciation of his career

The Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect. There had been speculation about the 36-year-old's future in the past few weeks after he became increasingly dissatisfied with his bit-part role at Old Trafford.

"This was not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing," said Scholes, who will join the United coaching staff from next season.

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do. To have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour. To have been part of the team that helped the club reach a record 19th title is a great privilege.

"I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career, 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 [Ferguson] 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."

Scholes's role within the United coaching setup 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. The former England international will also be granted a testimonial, which will take place in August.

"What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before?" Ferguson said. "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. Paul has always been inspirati! onal to players of all ages and we know that will continue."


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