Paul Scholes has revealed that his decision to retire
was taken purely on physical grounds.
The midfielder wound up his epic Reds career at the end of the
season. At a media briefing ahead of his August testimonial,
Scholes confirmed he stands by his choice.
"It’s something I’m still getting used to, but I knew it was the
right time," he said. "There were a few games last season where I
didn’t feel great, and in training as well. I thought it was
probably the right time to do it and I stand by that now. You can’t
go on forever, it’s all done now and I’m looking towards the
future.
"I don’t think anybody wants to play a bit-part, but I’d
realised that's just part and parcel of it, given the stage of
my career and the way I was physically. You’re at a top club with
the best players and you just have to realise your legs can’t do
what you want them to do.
"If you are going to be a part of this club you have to be
available from the beginning and to be able to last 90 minutes.
When I was starting games I didn't feel great. I didn’t mind
playing the odd game or coming on at the end of games - it was
probably the right way to use me. The best I felt was when I was
playing the last 15 or 20 minutes and really that's not right."
Paul was speaking to ManUtd.com, the Press Association, the
Manchester Evening News, Key 103 and BBC Radio.