On the day that Sir Alex Ferguson waved farewell to Old Trafford, another Manchester United legend ended his affair with the club. He was handed what was his 498th Premier League appearance today against Swansea City after announcing his retirement for the second time yesterday evening. His performance wasn’t the best of his career, far from it, but it’ll be one he’ll remember for the rest of his life. The former England International initially announced his retirement at the end of the 2010/11 season, but in January 2012 was persuaded to come out of retirement and help United’s title bid. At the end of that season, he was persuaded to sign a one year contract and in doing so has ended his career with a 11th Premier League title.

The last 4 months haven’t been the best of times for Scholes as he has had to deal with a knee injury. But he recovered in time to play a part in Fergie’s farewell. “I know it’s the right time (to retire),” said Scholes.”The last four months have been quite difficult with my knee and trying to get back fit again. It’s been a good day. We won the game and that’s all that matters. We’ve picked the trophy up and we’ll celebrate.”

He continued: “I’ve managed to get fit for the last couple of games but I think this will be the end… again. I was convinced last time but after six months of having blank Saturday and Sunday afternoons, it does get to you. But I know now I have gone as far as I can physically”. Scholes’ talent never went unnoticed unlike his team mate Michael Carrick. The plaudits were deserved and his admirers came thick and fast. Xavi of Barcelona said of him “In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.”

It’s true, except for his horrific tackling skills, Scholes could do everything that was expected of a Centre Midfielder at a level far higher than most of his peers. He could turn a game on it’s head with a brilliant assist or a wonder strike from 25 yards. He won every trophy that he could possibly get his hands on at club level with United, but he never reached the same heights with England. His frustrations with the England set up under Sven Goran-Eriksson meant a premature retirement from the international stage at 29. His fine performances when he came back in January 2012, led many to believe he would be called up for the Euro 2012, sadly Roy Hodgson didn’t take up this option.

Scholes’ Stats: