Scholes announces retirement 'for good'

Manchester United midfielder to hang up boots for second time at Old Trafford

Paul Scholes has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season.

The Manchester United midfielder hung up his boots at the end of the 2010/11 season but made a shock comeback on 8 January 2012, against Manchester City in the FA Cup. He went on to play 17 times in the Barclays Premier League that season, scoring four goals.

Injuries have limited Scholes to 14 appearances this season with one goal in the Barclays Premier League to his name. His appearance against Swansea City will be his 498th in the Barclays Premier League, from which he has scored 107 goals.

“Yes, I am finally hanging up my boots for good,” Scholes told manutd.com. “Playing football is all I have ever wanted to do, and so to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United, under the greatest manager of all time, has been an honour. The team has the right balance and will continue to thrive under the leadership of David Moyes.”

Outgoing United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the 38-year-old. “Paul is a truly unbelievable player,” Ferguson said. “He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years.

"Paul will play at Old Trafford on Sunday against Swansea and will collect an unbelievable but well-deserved 11th Premier League medal."