London – Paul Scholes is expected to play his final Manchester United home game against Swansea City on Sunday, having announced that he will retire for the second time at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old Englishman, who came out of retirement in January last year after seven months out of the game, has been described as one of the most talented midfield players ever to have emerged from the British Isles.
Here, AFP Sports looks at some of the tributes that have been paid to him over the course of his career:
“Paul is a truly unbelievable player. He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years.”
- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson
“Paul Scholes is my favourite player. He epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything that is good about football.”
- Former United captain and current director Bobby Charlton
“You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get.”
- Former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane
“He's a role model. For me, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish, he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.”
- Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi
“He is the best midfielder of his generation.”
- Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who is due to take over as Bayern Munich coach next season
“Paul was an incredible professional and so dedicated. We all had that same work ethic and that is what made that team special. It was an honour to play with him.”
- Former United midfielder David Beckham
“Some reckon he's the best United player of the modern era, and there's a case for saying that. You don't hear him blowing his own trumpet, though Ä he just gets on with his job. He's the real deal.”
- Former United captain Steve Bruce
“Paul Scholes was the jewel in the crown, the first name on the team-sheet, and unquestionably one of the finest England players of the age.”
- Former England manager Glenn Hoddle – Sapa-AFP