(An Amalgamation Of The Best Tributes To Him On The Net)
As shy as he was brilliant, Paul Scholes lit up the English game for seventeen glorious years. Part of the "class of '92," (which also included Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Gary Neville) Scholes broke into the first team in 1994, scoring twice against Port Vale in the League Cup. Known for his rocket shots, terrific vision and unassuming personality, Paul Scholes has come to define Manchester United for the last fifteen years. Paul Scholes has been a master of the long ball and someone whose vision and awareness are unparalleled. They call him Sat-Nav and not without reason. Every time he receives that ball there are two things people take for granted –
1) His first touch is sure to be flawless
2) He knows exactly where each team-mate is on the pitch.
Ask any United fan to list their favorite Paul Scholes moments, and you'd likely be conversing for hours. The blasters against Bradford, Aston Villa and that 35 yard screamer that sent Barcelona packing from the Champion's League. For years, Paul Scholes has been the only English player of his kind, the only one able to spot an eighty yard pass, the only one always a threat around the edge of the penalty box.
A high up official at Inter Milan once said "I told Morrati, Scholes is a "mission impossible" man. It's more than money with him. He was born just a few blocks away from Old Trafford. It's about wearing United's colors." …..It's about wearing United's colors. That was really all it was ever about for Paul Scholes. He shunned the media and shied away from the limelight, concentrated not on furthering himself, but on furthering the team. England need more players like Paul Scholes, men that would never be found urinating in parking lots, sleeping with teammates' women nor brawling in nightclubs. England need more players creative enough to break down the most resolute of defenses, more players capable of picking out passes in the dying embers of important matches.
Even though he knew it would be the last time he’d be donning the United shirt his generosity remained as he handed out his final shirt on Saturday to a current great who idolizes Scholes like so many. Andres Iniesta was the first to Scholes and he got his wish, he had the legend’s shirt. It wasn’t only Iniesta who was after the Ginger Prince’s jersey though. Scholes had to disappoint Messi, Xavi, Busquets and Pedro by informing each that he had already given it to Iniesta. Despite just winning the Champions League, these Barcelona stars recognized that they were in the presence of the greatest little maestro of his generation.
But enough from me, I'll let the experts do the talking.
Rio Ferdinand: “Paul Scholes aka Sat Nav went from a scoring midfielder to a dictator of the game (changed his game while still at top of the game). Genius.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Scholes is the best I’ve played with and he helped me a lot when I was young. He’s amazing.”
Roy Keane: “Scholesy is just the model professional. I remember whenever we’re playing in Europe at half-time there are players running to get his shirt. That just goes to show how highly he’s thought of on the continent. He’s a master.”
Ryan Giggs: “In training his team always wins, everyone wants to be on his side. He’s always first pick.”
Messi: “At La Masia (Barcelona’s Academy) his name was mentioned a lot. He’s a teacher.”
Figo: “I’m star-struck when I see Paul Scholes because you never see him. On the pitch you can’t catch him. Off the pitch he disappears.”
Cesc Fabregas: “He is the one whose level I aspire to. He is the best player in the Premier League.”
Zinedine Zidane: “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.”
Here’s to Paul Scholes….
A football player
A genius
A legend
