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Paul Scholes Reveals The Two Players Who Retired Him In 2013

Paul Scholes Reveals The Two Players Who Retired Him In 2013

He also revealed how Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson kept his return a secret.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Paul Scholes made the decision once in his life to retire which he soon decided wasn't the correct one to make. However the second time he knew it was all over after two players forced him into retirement.

Paul Scholes is involved in one of the most pointless and annoying debates in modern football, and sure we've had it on here often enough which is why I know how annoying it is, but there's no doubt that he was a bloody fantastic midfielder.

The former Manchester United star played as a second striker, an attacking midfielder and later in his career a deeper playmaker. He won the Premier League 10 times before deciding to retire, adding three FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and multiple other titles.

Scholes waves goodbye the first time. Image: PA Images.
Scholes waves goodbye the first time. Image: PA Images.

At the end of the 2011 season he decided to hang up his boots but about six months later he was back in the United team having reversed his retirement. He played 18 months, winning another league title, before retiring at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking to BT Sport Scholes revealed that Spurs players Gareth Bale and Mousa Dembele made him realise it was time to hang up the boots full time:

"I remember a game against Tottenham at home, it was only the third, fourth game of the season, I think we got beat at home 3-2. I played alright in possession, but I remember [Mousa] Dembele cruising past me, Gareth Bale, I know they cruise past people but I remember thinking 'I just can' do this anymore'."

In fairness to the former player turned BT pundit coming up against Dembele and Bale is difficult enough for some players at their prime, never mind a then 38 year old who'd already retired once and had wanted to again earlier than he did.

Scholes also confirmed a legendary story about his return. Of course there are fake quotes about the former England international that make some stories difficult to believe but he confirmed that before his first match back he had to go to a retailer and buy boots for £35.

Still you've got to wonder was he actually better than Fran....never mind.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Paul Scholes, Football News, Manchester United, Mousa Dembele, Premier League, gareth bale