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Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes celebrates his 41st birthday today. One of the greatest midfielders ever to grace the beautiful game, Paul Scoles was born on the 16th of November 1974 to Stewart and Marina Scholes in Manchester. Scholes was truly a one-of-a-kind footballer, there has never been a player like him and probably, there never will be.Among his greatest attributes were his immaculate first touch, unmatched vision, incredible passing ability and a thunderous strike of the ball which could tear up a few players in its course and still end up in the back of the net. Scholes was often a subject of banter from teammates for his weakness(if it could be called that!) in his defensive capabilities, but he used to more than make up for it with his offensive proficiency.Before coming out of retirement to help the Red Devils win the premier League in 2013, the maestro played his last game against Barcelona in the Champions League final in 2011. When the match ended, Andres Iniesta was the first one to ask for Scholes’ shirt and the legend obliged.But the current Barcelona captain was not the only one after his shirt, as Scholes later had to disappoint the likes of Messi, Xavi, Pedro and Busquets who wanted to swap shirts with the legend too. This simple gesture displayed the respect the Englishman had garnered during his time on the pitch.Today on his 41st birthday, we pay tribute to the United Legend by sharing some of the famous quotes on him by the best of the best in the game.
#10 Zinedine Zidane
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Zinedine Zidane has had immense respect and admiration for the talismanic midfielder, Paul Scholes. The former Real Madrid icon has on more than one occasion talked about Scholes. The Ballon D’Or winner has also featured in the movie starring Paul Scholes, “Class of ‘92”. Here is what he had to say about the former Devil.
“There is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own. He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get. One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”
#9 Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand had the good fortune of playing and training alongside the midfield maestro for almost a decade. The former Manchester United defender seemed to be in complete awe of his former teammate while talking about him in 2008.
“For me, it’s Paul Scholes. He’ll do ridiculous things in training like say, “You see that tree over there?” – It’ll be 40 yards away – “I’m going to hit it”. And he’ll do it!. Everyone at the club considers him the best.
#8 Ian Holloway
Former Queen’s Park player and manager Ian Holloway holds Pau Scholes in the highest regard. Holloway has two successful books published in his name. The master of words was articulate while expressing his thoughts on the former United player.
Holloway said, “When he passes the ball it stays passed. The ball goes exactly where he wants it to. I have always loved him for that. I played against him once or twice and he is an absolute genius. He is a role model for anyone who wants to play football. He is a joy to watch. In fact, I wish he was 21, then I could see his career all over again.”
#7 Thiery Henry
Arsenal Legend Thiery Henry talks about Scholes’ ability to dictate the style and the tempo of the game. According to Henry, Scholes was the best and deserved far more accolades than he ended up getting.
“Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership has to be Scholes. He knows how to do everything, and he is one who directs the way his team plays. On top of that, he has an indestructible mental strength and he is a genuine competitor. I can’t understand why Scholes has never won the Player of the Year award. He should have won it long ago. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t seek the limelight like some of the other stars.”
#6 Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton still remains a prominent face at Manchester United. Regarded as the one of the greatest midfielders of all time and a club icon, he had some wise words to share about Paul Scholes.
“I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It’s Paul Scholes. Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United. Players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era.”
And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley. When a game reaches a vital phase, these qualities seem to come out of his every pore. He’s always on the ball, always turning on goal. He’s always looking to bring other people into the action and if he loses possession you think he must be ill.”
#5 Pep Guardiola
Former Barcelona player and manager, Pep Guardiola used to play as a midfielder for the Blaugrana and faced many fine players in his days, including the likes of Scholes and Giggs. When talking about Manchester United in 2011, before the Champions League final, the former midfielder could not hide his admiration for Scholes and his desire to share the dressing room with the former Red Devil.
He was quoted as saying, “Out of everyone at Manchester United, I would pick out Scholes – he is the best midfielder of his generation. I would have loved to have played alongside him.”
#4 Sir Alex Ferguson
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reserved his praise for the best of the best. The legendary manager has on more than one occasion, lavished praise on his star player Paul Scholes.
“He’s one of the greatest players to come through the ranks here. One of the best football brains Manchester United has ever had,” Fergie said about Scholes
The 13 times Premier League winning manager was saddened when the midfielder announced his retirement, he said, “What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before. We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player.”
#3 Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez, a leader, a phenomenal playmaker and a fantastic passer of the ball, the barcelona legend has always been vocal when talking about his admiration for Scholes.
“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.”
#2 Massimo Moratti
No questions can be raised on Paul Scholes’ loyalty to Manchester United. He started his career and ended it at Old Trafford. The former Inter Milan president had this to say about the master.
“We tried really hard to sign Paul Scholes, we even gave Man United a blank cheque. We spoke to him, but his reply was short and simple - "If you want me to play for you, you would have to buy this club."
“ One of a kind, he didn't even have an agent, so it was hard enough,” said Moratti.
One club, one love, a true club legend indeed!
#1 Danny Boyle
Renowned Hollywood director Danny Boyle of the Slumdog Millionaire fame is a super fan of Paul Scholes. Yes, you read it correctly. The Manchester-born director is a die-hard United supporter and also appeared in the movie “The Class of ‘92”.
In the movie, Boyle expresses his emotions as a fan saying, “There is nothing more beautiful than seeing him arrive in that hole, everybody is faffing about in the penalty area and there is a big hole outside it and there he is arriving.. and GOAL! That's one of a kind of moment in life, seeing Paul Scholes arise for a screamer.”
