Ask Messi who his hero is and he will say Paul Scholes. Himself Xavi and Iniesta used to watch videos of Paul Scholes passing when they were at Barcelona. Ronaldo considers him one of his hero's also. The quiet little ginger central midfielder liked nothing better than going home to Oxford after a game and having a pint on his own. He wasn't one for the limelight but he was a hero to the greats. Here are some quotes from the football community.
“In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. He is a role model for me"
Cristiano Ronaldo
“Scholes is the best i’ve played with and he helped me a lot when I was young. He’s amazing.”
Zinedine Zidane
“My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester United. He is the complete midfielder.Scholes is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation. He is simply in a CLASS of his own."
Imagine being considered great by the greats. He must be handy in that case. I remember seeing the Barcelona boys at the Ballon D'Or and Scholes walked past them and they were like giddy school girls seeing their childhood crush. I was laughing. They really did love the guy. The best player that has ever played the game even had a person to look up to.
So at the Vincient Kompany testimonial on Wednesday night. Scholes still showed that he had it and he did this. Wowser. Imagine what Ole could do with that talent now at United.
So of those passes are unbelievable in that video. He really was a force to be reckoned with during his days at Manchester United. There were rumours that alot of clubs in Europe were eager to sign him. But Scholes had no interest upping sticks. Why would he? He was a local boy and he wanted to stay near his home. He had everything at Manchester United so there was no reason to leave.
I just really admire the guy even though he didn't play with the team I support. I think greatness overcomes local rivalry. When Ronaldo destroyed Juventus 2 years ago playing for Madrid the Juventus fans applauded the Portuguese legend. He ended up joining them the year after as he felt humbled by the standing ovation. The money wasn't bad either. Scholes is now part owner of Salford Football Club and has just left Oxford as their manager after a month in charge. He leads a fairly quiet life now with occasional punitory.His son is now playing football at a high level so it will be interesting to see if he got any magic from dad.