A Tribute to the Ginger Prince: Paul Scholes

The Legend: Paul Scholes' celebration after his wonder goal against Barcelona at Old Trafford during the 2008 Champions League Semi-Final. (Courtesy of truthminber.net)

“He scores goals, galore,
He scores goals!
He scores goals, galore,
He scores goals!
He scores goals, galore,
He scores goals!
Paul Scholes – he scores goals!”

I think football died earlier today… It has actually taken so much will power to stop myself from weeping today.

Paul Scholes announced his retirement from professional football earlier this morning and I have this pit in my stomach because of it. If you think that’s odd… let me tell you that he was my hero growing up. Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes. The holy trinity for Manchester United during the 90′s. And now, they’re practically no more. Only Giggsy is left. And god, when he retires, it’ll be awful. I actually think Manchester will be sucked into a giant sinkhole of some kind.

Here’s the Ginger Prince himself, scoring goals as he pleases:
Courtesy of ManUtd.com

Career stats:

• A one club man for Manchester United
• He spent the best part of 17 years at the club.
• He made 676 appearances for United.
• He scored 150 goals; most of them sublime.
• He won 10 English Premier League titles;
• 3 FA Cup titles;
• 2 League Cup titles; and
• 1 Champions League title. (He missed out in 1999 through suspension, but screw that, he still deserves the recognition in my opinion.)

He has earned the admiration of millions of fans, not just Manchester United fans, but the entire footballing world in general.

I remember Zinadine Zidane, the French footballing god, mentioning him as “untouchable” and that his only career regret was not being able to play alongside him. God, that would have been a partnership made in Heaven. His final appearance as a Manchester United player will be in August for his testimonial match. From next season, he takes up a coaching role at the club… so at least he’s not completely out of the game. But still, my heart aches regardless today.

My sentiments, wishes of good luck and heartfelt thank-yous go out to you, Paul Scholes. United number 18. Football genius. Wonderful human being. Forever a RED!
It was an honour.

May the Ginger Prince’s legacy never fade.