Topics: Paul Scholes, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale, Premier League
Paul Scholes didn't hesitate when naming the two Premier League players that made him realise it was time to retire for a second time.
The Manchester United legend initially stepped away from football in May 2011 but was tempted out of retirement in January 2012 with the club in the middle of an injury crisis.
Scholes played for another 16 months before eventually calling time on his career in 2013.
During his second spell at Old Trafford, Scholes wore the unfamiliar number 22 shirt as Ashley Young had been given his preferred number 18 shirt after joining from Aston Villa.
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He managed to add another Premier League title to his collection but regretted staying on for that extra season.
Speaking to TNT Sports in 2018, Scholes admitted he was 'gone' physically by the time the 12/13 campaign started.
"I wish I had stopped then," Scholes said. "That was enough, really, because we got to the next season and the manager gave me another year, but when I say I was gone the first time, I was definitely gone this time."
The former England international then pinpointed the exact game he knew he wasn't cut out to be starting for the Red Devils.
Scholes started alongside Michael Carrick in a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in September 2012 and struggled to get to grips with Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele.
A Rolls Royce of a midfielder, Dembele glided through the pair and helped set up Gareth Bale for his goal.
Dembele and Bale hold the dubious honour of letting Scholes know his time had passed.
"I remember playing a game against Tottenham at home, it was only the third or fourth game of the season, and I think we got beat at home 3-2," Scholes continued.
"I played alright in possession but I remember [Mousa] Dembele just cruising past me, Gareth Bale.... I know they cruise past people but I was just watching and thinking 'I can't do this anymore'.
"I wanted to retire early again that season but I just thought it would look a bit stupid, a bit embarrassing."
Dembele would enjoy a successful Premier League career before moving to Chinese side Guangzhou City in 2019.
Bale, meanwhile, joined Real Madrid in 2013 and became one of the finest wingers of his generation.
