Paul Scholes: the Ginger Ninja (Video)

In all the hullabaloo following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement it has been forgotten that one of his most loyal servants, Paul Scholes, announced his (second) retirement.

Maybe because Scholes returned from his first retirement people are wary of him announcing in it once again as if to say they don't believe him. But I think this is it and he has gone out having won yet another league title so it is a good time to say goodbye to the Old Trafford turf.

I'm not a United fan but even I understand what a complete footballer player Paul Scholes was. Passing, stamina, reading of the game and all those fantastic goals made him a integral part to some of Ferguson's best sides. Just don't mention the tackling.

The goals were especially good as Scholes made long range strikes a speciality of his. For a short man he could definitely get some power behind the ball. And some swerve. I remember his winning goal against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final had both of those things and it was a fine strike.

His best, however, was against Aston Villa at Villa Park. A quite remarkable volley that Scholes hit so sweetly that it flew through a sea of bodies and smashed off the underside of the crossbar and over the line. Perfect technique and a mesmerizing hit. 

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