By Celina I. Sanchez:
He scores goals, galore,
He scores goals!
Paul Scholes—he scores goals…
Sadly, this tune, like Paul Scholes, has been retired. Sir Alex Ferguson, United players (past and present) and fans gave Scholes a festive send-off at his Old Trafford testimonial.
The match featured the current United squad against Eric Cantona’s New York Cosmos, a soon to be MLS team in America. However, as this match was for the Ginger Prince, it included some special players—Fabio Cannavaro, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Patrick Vieira, to name a few.
It was a bittersweet moment for all, as Scholes was the epitome of how a footballer should play, should train, and, er, should behave. He dedicated himself to the game, to Manchester United, and, of course, his family. He was never tabloid fodder. He merely did his job—unselfishly—and quietly went home.
In fact, in the 6-0 United victory, Scholes not only scored but also let Rooney take a penalty kick because well he said the striker needed the practice—noble and dedicated to the very end!
In 676 total games for United, that fiery spirit and fierce talent was celebrated by all—be it teammate or opponent. Notwithstanding his career total of 18 red cards, he was cherished by all for those moments of brilliance, periods of glorious football, of which there are too many count: passes, assists, and goals against AC Milan, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Internazionale, etc.
His presence on the pitch earned him accolades from other football greats from Zidane to Xavi. In an interview with the “Daily Mail,” the Barcelona midfielder once said of Scholes, “In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen—the most complete—is Scholes.”
Scholes will be greatly missed on the pitch, but at least he will still have a coaching presence at the club. So for nostalgic moments “He Scores Goals” can still be belted out loudly and proudly.
