Paul Scholes reveals he was given little time to come out of international retirement
Manchester United legendary midfielder Paul Scholes has confirmed that he was given a short time span to decide where to come out of international retirement, and represent England in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Scholes took retirement from the national team back in 2004, and refused the offer from the Manager’s assistant, which was made just a day before the official squad was to be announced.
The midfielder admitted that had the offer come at the appropriate time, he might have just packed his bags and confessed that he holds some regrets in his heart of not going into the World Cup. Upon asking were two hours were less time to make the important decision, the veteran replied that is what he thought. Scholes added that the time issue was one of the major reasons why he rejected the offer, and that he needed more time to think over the issue.
Scholes was caught off guard with the offer, and stated that even if he did get some more time, that does not mean he would surely have gone. However, the 35 year old claimed that he would most probably have gone if had he the time to make the decision. Scholes added that the build up to the tournament a week before made him regret his decision, and made him want to go, but then it was too late.
England had a humiliating World Cup campaign, as England managed just one win from four matches. Germany humbled the misfit English, and were knocked out when the Germans won 4-1 in the Round of 16. The so called super stars of English football failed to deliver, and were given tough time from teams like Algeria and Slovenia. Scholes stated that he might have not made any difference to the campaign, but was disappointed with himself for turning down an offer to play in World Cup. The midfielder added that he does not really think that England did not do well because he did not play.
Wayne Rooney was also brought into the topic, who had a disappointing World Cup. The striker who had scored 34 goals for his club, failed to score even once for his country, but Scholes admitted that even if he was present with the squad, he might have not made the difference with Rooney.
The midfielder clarified that he plays with Rooney every week, and everyone in the United outfit knows what he wants. Scholes added that it is not like that the English players did not know what the striker wanted, but somehow could not manage to unleash his full capabilities. The previous English manager Steve McClaren was also unsuccessful in getting Scholes out of retirement, so Capello was not the only one. Scholes admitted that he had been away for a long period from home, and wanted to spend more time with his family. Paul added that he was stern on the fact that he will not play with the national team after retirement, and that is why McClaren failed.
"I think it would have been tough on someone who had been over the qualifiers and through all the tough places they had to go and be away for ten days at a time. I don't think it would have been right."
Speaking of rivalry with high spending neighbours Manchester City, Scholes admitted that it will be the last thing he will want to see if City finishes above United. The 35 year old claimed that it had never happened that City ever finished above United since the time he joined the Red Devils in 1994. Scholes added that he will have to wait and see what happens, as they have bought so many quality players. The veteran was happy for City for having a top team, for a club which was in the second tier ten years ago. Scholes will be hoping to get his form going, and play his natural game for United, like he has done for so many years. United are aiming for their 19th title with all guns blazing, and Scholes is one of the key players for the Red Devils season after season.
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