Scholes

Rob Bowman · 23rd July 2008, 22:12

From the mail online. Brilliant!!

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/....html?ITO=1490

A part of me will be glad when it is all over, says shy superstar Scholes
By Ian Ladyman Last updated at 9:45 PM on 23rd July 2008

Comments (0) Add to My Stories
The time is 3.30am in Moscow in May and Paul Scholes sits, alone, on a bus. A Champions League winner's medal hangs from his neck; proof that, at last, a life's work is complete.

Fifty yards away, Manchester United team-mates talk to the media. The match is won and it's time to revel in the glory. Scholes just wants to go home. 'Yeah, I was first on the bus,' reflected Scholes this week.

'But I always am. What's the point in hanging around? I was pleased with what we'd done but didn't want to spend all night talking about it. I was at the party later. But not for long. I had the kids there.

Not for the limelight: Paul Scholes

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'You maybe think about what you have done for a day or two but then that's it, it's finished. You look forward to the start of the new season.'

Fast forward two months and that new season is almost upon us. Scholes sits with seven journalists in the foyer of the Beverly Hills Hotel in the Umhangla Rocks district of Durban, South Africa.

He doesn't want to be there. A polite but reluctant interviewee. A reluctant superstar. Scholes adores football but hates the clutter that comes with it. He expects to retire in two years and when he does you can expect him to vanish.

'Part of me will be glad to finish,' said Scholes. 'I can't say I can't wait to finish but I'm looking forward to finishing and everything that goes with it. The only thing I'll definitely miss is the football. The general life of a footballer, I suppose, I won't miss at all.

'People are just very invasive, aren't they? They are always wanting to know what you have been doing and what you're going to do.

'I'm sure I'll go to watch United. My lad Aaron is absolutely mad on Man United. But that'll be as far as it goes. I'd think I have two years left at the most.

'At the moment I just think that would be about right. I feel OK right now and as long as I feel OK then I'll carry on. 'I'll just have to see when the time comes whether I want to carry on playing somewhere else at a lower level. I don't look that far ahead.'

Fresh from a gym session (voluntary) in the hotel, Scholes looks surprisingly muscular as he sits in an armchair.

His biceps are huge and his legs powerful. It is clear that a player known for possessing one of the most intelligent minds in English football has been doing his bit to ensure his survival in a Premier League which increasingly relies on pace, power and physical strength.

'There are a lot more players out there who are a lot quicker and more powerful than players were when I started,' reflected Scholes.

'But you just have to keep on top of it and hopefully your football talents come out in the end.

'You'd like to think that maybe your football intelligence comes into it and helps you to cope. After all, there's only so much running you can do. At the end of the day it's football and if you're clever enough to play then you'll find the right answers for it.'

Scholes' football brain and passing range remain as good as ever. He played one ball - over 50 yards on the volley - against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday that Padraig Harrington would have struggled to play with his pitching wedge.

But to understand Scholes' remarkable longevity at Old Trafford it helps to look at some statistics from last season.

The elder statesman - he is 33 now - Scholes nevertheless made more appearances (24) than his young central midfield colleagues Owen Hargreaves and the Brazilian Anderson last season.

Michael Carrick played just seven more times. Having evolved gradually in to a deeper lying player, Scholes' goal return has diminished. He scored only twice last season, although one - from 25 yards - won United's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

'It was just one goal, one moment in a game,' is Scholes' take on it. Towards the end of an off-season that has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo's attempts to engineer a transfer to Real Madrid, it would be fascinating to hear Scholes' private thoughts about a team-mate who is everything that he is not.

There is no chance of that, however. He probably hasn't even told his wife. But the very concept of seeking fame and fortune elsewhere is alien to Scholes, a player who doesn't even have an agent.

'If players fancy a move and a bit of money then good luck to them but if they're at such a place like this I don't think they realise how lucky they are to be playing here,' he said.

'It's always a step down after here. 'There are obviously big clubs in the world but while certain people think it might be a progression if they move somewhere else, I don't think it is.

'I am lucky in that I've had everything I need. I'm at Manchester United and from Manchester. What more do I need?'

The one thing he badly needed last season was a place in a Champions League Final team.

Having missed the 1999 success through suspension, last May's triumph meant more to Scholes than most.

'I got a medal in 1999 but I don't view myself as a double Champions League winner,' he added.

'You've got to play in the final, I suppose, for it to count. So it meant everything to win it this time. It was a great night.'

For Scholes, there may not be that many more great nights. The end of a remarkable career is creeping up.

Rewind a few days to last Saturday. United have just played a friendly at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. Again, Scholes sits on the team bus on his own.

Outside, cameras flash as South African news crews and fans peer through the tinted glass for a closer view. Scholes instinctively shuffles across his seat towards the aisle. He is out of sight.

Tibs · 23rd July 2008, 22:27

Paul Scholes should be a role model to any young pro.

Outstanding professional, and one of the best midfielders of the past 10 years.

Not only that, but he has his priorities right too United>England fc

kf · 23rd July 2008, 22:32

Quote:

'It's always a step down after here. 'There are obviously big clubs in the world but while certain people think it might be a progression if they move somewhere else, I don't think it is.

'I am lucky in that I've had everything I need. I'm at Manchester United and from Manchester. What more do I need?'

vijay · 23rd July 2008, 22:37

Last season it was vintage Scholes. If Fergie rotates him smartly I am sure both Scholes and Giggs can continue at United for the next four seasons

RedNome · 23rd July 2008, 22:41

Reading that brought a tear to my eye.

I am going to saviour his last two or so years here.

Total, undoubted, pure legend.

Fucking love you, you ginger genius.

Tibs · 23rd July 2008, 22:48

Scholes and Giggs both should be knighted!

Ruben · 23rd July 2008, 22:54

Great interview.

Scholes` interviews are like rare pieces of art. You never really see them, and when you finally do you suck them in for all they`re worth.

Raven_Blade · 23rd July 2008, 22:55

Thats what Ronaldo should read. Scholes is an example to us all of how a football player should behave. I hope his last two seasons are memorable and he scores many more goals.

RedNome · 23rd July 2008, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven_Blade

Thats what Ronaldo should read. Scholes is an example to us all of how a football player should behave. I hope his last two seasons are memorable and he scores many more goals.

Nah just one more in the Champs league final against Real would do me, I'm not greedy.

redevil2 · 23rd July 2008, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven_Blade

Thats what Ronaldo should read. Scholes is an example to us all of how a football player should behave. I hope his last two seasons are memorable and he scores many more goals.

Ronaldo is the opposite of Scholesy. He wanted so bad to be in the lime light he went swimming and have pictures even he's not playing football and should have been resting his ankle!

He's probably laughing at the ginger prince for not courting attention! He would be the last person to read a Scholesy interview. Compared to Becks, he's 10 times worse

ZIDANE · 23rd July 2008, 23:15

Great player, amazing actually.

Watched his style of play for years and it never gets old on me.

RedNome · 23rd July 2008, 23:16

I think we should keep Ronaldo out of this thread.

He has no place in a thread about Scholes.

That is all.

Utd heap · 23rd July 2008, 23:19

There's no comparison.

Scholes is a top bloke.
My uncle manages his lads side

Sultan · 23rd July 2008, 23:24

Incredible

Himself, Ole, and Giggs are perfect role models for all aspiring footballers.

RedNome · 23rd July 2008, 23:26

I just read that again.

It's a shame his kind are in the minority these days.

Utd heap · 23rd July 2008, 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedNome

I just read that again.

It's a shame his kind are in the minority these days.

Loads of us gingers around these days Nome

RedNome · 23rd July 2008, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utd heap

Loads of us gingers around these days Nome

hotshot2004 · 23rd July 2008, 23:40

what a humble footballer, i wish he was to stay for another 10 years, he needs to be ambassador for FIFA, as he is only footballer to acknowledge what is wrong with football atm.

Absolute class, i tahnk him for his services and his attitude.

Thanks you Ginger genius. Something which Ronaldo will never have in his life.

Solius · 23rd July 2008, 23:51

Legend, I wish he never aged I could never tire of seeing him play.

Simon Adebesi · 23rd July 2008, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedNome

It's a shame his kind are in the minority these days.

That is the understatement of the century.

I love that he doesnt have an agent. What an absolute legend.

hotshot2004 · 24th July 2008, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Adebesi

That is the understatement of the century.

I love that he doesnt have an agent. What an absolute legend.

I doubt that is understatement, there are not many players in EUR who has not got agents, who lives simple and loves his football.

Psmith · 24th July 2008, 00:29

What a legend! The perfect footballer.

'I am lucky in that I've had everything I need. I'm at Manchester United and from Manchester. What more do I need?' - thats brilliant.

BAMSOLA · 24th July 2008, 01:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sultan

Incredible

Himself, Ole, and Giggs are perfect role models for all aspiring footballers.

The saddest thing is that for the large majority they won't be. the average youth footballer today does the complete opposite of them - talks big and ultimately delivers very little.

I often think more of them are more concerned with limelight than legacy, certainly looking at the link between fancy hair styles being proportionate to lack of talent this would seem to be the case.

I often think every footballer who comes through our ranks should be forced to have an army style crew cut until they have made a real name for themself. That'll teach em!!!

Justin · 24th July 2008, 01:49

Can't name any other players of recent times more honest and humble than Scholes.

KeyserSoze · 24th July 2008, 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utd heap

Loads of us gingers around these days Nome

Scholes is an absolute legend who does his talking on the pitch.

He is a dying breed.

unitedbhoy · 24th July 2008, 02:14

Very good article. It was like a mini-story of a pure footballer.

Most disciplined football I've ever known.

Compare Scholes' attitude to that of Ronaldos'.....No comparison

dno · 24th July 2008, 02:17

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle4386955.ece

reddev07 · 24th July 2008, 02:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by dno

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle4386955.ece

That paper has gone down in my estimations this summer.

Especially if you read the Tevez article

dno · 24th July 2008, 02:33

If Carlitos said that then I can't really blame a newspaper for reporting it.

reddev07 · 24th July 2008, 02:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by dno

If Carlitos said that then I can't really blame a newspaper for reporting it.

they completely twisted what he said. He never said ronaldo should be allowed to go if he wants to. He said IF he went, they would respect his decision. more to the point, the quotes came from AS so there was probably more Tevez said that they cut out. I don't blame them for reporting it, I blame them for getting all excited and thinking SAF will be annoyed with Tevez etc

anyway back on topic, back to Scholes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgiC...eature=related

rednev · 24th July 2008, 02:45

Fantastic article. I'd probably go as far to say that Scholes h

23rd July 2008, 22:12	#1 (permalink)
Rob Bowman Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,805	Scholes From the mail online. Brilliant!! http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/....html?ITO=1490 A part of me will be glad when it is all over, says shy superstar Scholes By Ian Ladyman Last updated at 9:45 PM on 23rd July 2008 Comments (0) Add to My Stories The time is 3.30am in Moscow in May and Paul Scholes sits, alone, on a bus. A Champions League winner's medal hangs from his neck; proof that, at last, a life's work is complete. Fifty yards away, Manchester United team-mates talk to the media. The match is won and it's time to revel in the glory. Scholes just wants to go home. 'Yeah, I was first on the bus,' reflected Scholes this week. 'But I always am. What's the point in hanging around? I was pleased with what we'd done but didn't want to spend all night talking about it. I was at the party later. But not for long. I had the kids there. Not for the limelight: Paul Scholes More... Manchester United defender Brown flies home following death of half-sister Foster will challenge James for the No 1 England spot 'You maybe think about what you have done for a day or two but then that's it, it's finished. You look forward to the start of the new season.' Fast forward two months and that new season is almost upon us. Scholes sits with seven journalists in the foyer of the Beverly Hills Hotel in the Umhangla Rocks district of Durban, South Africa. He doesn't want to be there. A polite but reluctant interviewee. A reluctant superstar. Scholes adores football but hates the clutter that comes with it. He expects to retire in two years and when he does you can expect him to vanish. 'Part of me will be glad to finish,' said Scholes. 'I can't say I can't wait to finish but I'm looking forward to finishing and everything that goes with it. The only thing I'll definitely miss is the football. The general life of a footballer, I suppose, I won't miss at all. 'People are just very invasive, aren't they? They are always wanting to know what you have been doing and what you're going to do. 'I'm sure I'll go to watch United. My lad Aaron is absolutely mad on Man United. But that'll be as far as it goes. I'd think I have two years left at the most. 'At the moment I just think that would be about right. I feel OK right now and as long as I feel OK then I'll carry on. 'I'll just have to see when the time comes whether I want to carry on playing somewhere else at a lower level. I don't look that far ahead.' Fresh from a gym session (voluntary) in the hotel, Scholes looks surprisingly muscular as he sits in an armchair. His biceps are huge and his legs powerful. It is clear that a player known for possessing one of the most intelligent minds in English football has been doing his bit to ensure his survival in a Premier League which increasingly relies on pace, power and physical strength. 'There are a lot more players out there who are a lot quicker and more powerful than players were when I started,' reflected Scholes. 'But you just have to keep on top of it and hopefully your football talents come out in the end. 'You'd like to think that maybe your football intelligence comes into it and helps you to cope. After all, there's only so much running you can do. At the end of the day it's football and if you're clever enough to play then you'll find the right answers for it.' Scholes' football brain and passing range remain as good as ever. He played one ball - over 50 yards on the volley - against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday that Padraig Harrington would have struggled to play with his pitching wedge. But to understand Scholes' remarkable longevity at Old Trafford it helps to look at some statistics from last season. The elder statesman - he is 33 now - Scholes nevertheless made more appearances (24) than his young central midfield colleagues Owen Hargreaves and the Brazilian Anderson last season. Michael Carrick played just seven more times. Having evolved gradually in to a deeper lying player, Scholes' goal return has diminished. He scored only twice last season, although one - from 25 yards - won United's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. 'It was just one goal, one moment in a game,' is Scholes' take on it. Towards the end of an off-season that has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo's attempts to engineer a transfer to Real Madrid, it would be fascinating to hear Scholes' private thoughts about a team-mate who is everything that he is not. There is no chance of that, however. He probably hasn't even told his wife. But the very concept of seeking fame and fortune elsewhere is alien to Scholes, a player who doesn't even have an agent. 'If players fancy a move and a bit of money then good luck to them but if they're at such a place like this I don't think they realise how lucky they are to be playing here,' he said. 'It's always a step down after here. 'There are obviously big clubs in the world but while certain people think it might be a progression if they move somewhere else, I don't think it is. 'I am lucky in that I've had everything I need. I'm at Manchester United and from Manchester. What more do I need?' The one thing he badly needed last season was a place in a Champions League Final team. Having missed the 1999 success through suspension, last May's triumph meant more to Scholes than most. 'I got a medal in 1999 but I don't view myself as a double Champions League winner,' he added. 'You've got to play in the final, I suppose, for it to count. So it meant everything to win it this time. It was a great night.' For Scholes, there may not be that many more great nights. The end of a remarkable career is creeping up. Rewind a few days to last Saturday. United have just played a friendly at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. Again, Scholes sits on the team bus on his own. Outside, cameras flash as South African news crews and fans peer through the tinted glass for a closer view. Scholes instinctively shuffles across his seat towards the aisle. He is out of sight.

23rd July 2008, 22:27	#2 (permalink)
Tibs Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,405	Paul Scholes should be a role model to any young pro. Outstanding professional, and one of the best midfielders of the past 10 years. Not only that, but he has his priorities right too United>England fc

23rd July 2008, 22:37	#4 (permalink)
vijay Im rude and disprespectful to the ladies of the forum,though Im happy to cruise Jason and Suresh Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Entertainment Fourm: Winding up the Gaming Gimps Posts: 13,120	Last season it was vintage Scholes. If Fergie rotates him smartly I am sure both Scholes and Giggs can continue at United for the next four seasons

23rd July 2008, 22:41	#5 (permalink)
RedNome Cnut Rating: 9(conservative) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Well, here we are in a room with two manky hookers and a racist dwarf. Posts: 11,739	Reading that brought a tear to my eye. I am going to saviour his last two or so years here. Total, undoubted, pure legend. Fucking love you, you ginger genius.

23rd July 2008, 22:48	#6 (permalink)
Tibs Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,405	Scholes and Giggs both should be knighted!

23rd July 2008, 22:54	#7 (permalink)
Ruben First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oslo Posts: 5,091	Great interview. Scholes` interviews are like rare pieces of art. You never really see them, and when you finally do you suck them in for all they`re worth.

23rd July 2008, 22:55	#8 (permalink)
Raven_Blade Attention Whoring Common Crow Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Man Utd Will Never Die! Posts: 17,229	Thats what Ronaldo should read. Scholes is an example to us all of how a football player should behave. I hope his last two seasons are memorable and he scores many more goals.

23rd July 2008, 23:15	#11 (permalink)
ZIDANE Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: "..undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation." Zizou on Scholes Posts: 4,918	Great player, amazing actually. Watched his style of play for years and it never gets old on me.

23rd July 2008, 23:16	#12 (permalink)
RedNome Cnut Rating: 9(conservative) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Well, here we are in a room with two manky hookers and a racist dwarf. Posts: 11,739	I think we should keep Ronaldo out of this thread. He has no place in a thread about Scholes. That is all.

23rd July 2008, 23:19	#13 (permalink)
Utd heap First Team Sub Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: At an away ground near you... Posts: 7,491	There's no comparison. Scholes is a top bloke. My uncle manages his lads side

23rd July 2008, 23:24	#14 (permalink)
Sultan Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown Posts: 16,272	Incredible Himself, Ole, and Giggs are perfect role models for all aspiring footballers.

23rd July 2008, 23:26	#15 (permalink)
RedNome Cnut Rating: 9(conservative) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Well, here we are in a room with two manky hookers and a racist dwarf. Posts: 11,739	I just read that again. It's a shame his kind are in the minority these days.

23rd July 2008, 23:40	#18 (permalink)
hotshot2004 Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Promise Land Posts: 1,638	what a humble footballer, i wish he was to stay for another 10 years, he needs to be ambassador for FIFA, as he is only footballer to acknowledge what is wrong with football atm. Absolute class, i tahnk him for his services and his attitude. Thanks you Ginger genius. Something which Ronaldo will never have in his life.

23rd July 2008, 23:51	#19 (permalink)
Solius First Team Sub Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Playing Connect 4 with Tevez and Anderson. Posts: 8,359	Legend, I wish he never aged I could never tire of seeing him play.

24th July 2008, 00:29	#22 (permalink)
Psmith First Team Sub Join Date: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 6,235	What a legend! The perfect footballer. 'I am lucky in that I've had everything I need. I'm at Manchester United and from Manchester. What more do I need?' - thats brilliant.

24th July 2008, 01:49	#24 (permalink)
Justin First Team Regular Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 16,428	Can't name any other players of recent times more honest and humble than Scholes.

24th July 2008, 02:14	#26 (permalink)
unitedbhoy Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Family Stand/FAM206/Row 2/Seat 56.......originally from Co.Down Posts: 785	Very good article. It was like a mini-story of a pure footballer. Most disciplined football I've ever known. Compare Scholes' attitude to that of Ronaldos'.....No comparison

24th July 2008, 02:17	#27 (permalink)
dno Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Triggs' Kennel Posts: 790	http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle4386955.ece

24th July 2008, 02:33	#29 (permalink)
dno Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Triggs' Kennel Posts: 790	If Carlitos said that then I can't really blame a newspaper for reporting it.

24th July 2008, 02:45	#31 (permalink)
rednev First Team Sub Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Wales Posts: 5,285	Fantastic article. I'd probably go as far to say that Scholes h