Paul Scholes announces retirement, will join Manchester United coaching staff

Scholes hangs up boots

Manchester United star Paul Scholes has announced he will retire from football and take-up a coaching position at Old Trafford next season.

The midfielder was widely expected to hang-up his boots at the end of the season, but his decision was only confirmed by a statement released by United this morning.

Scholes 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.

“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.”

Unsurprisingly, his only ever club manager was among the first to pay tribute to Scholes’ achievements.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before. 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. Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role.”

Scholes is set to take up a new role as United’s tackling coach.