PAUL SCHOLES HAS always shown a lack of interest in the media. A difficult interviewee, he’s bemused by other people’s interest in him. He is shy and retiring and we love him for it.
He’s the antithesis of the modern footballer. He couldn’t care less about fame and fortune. Once, he tried to throw a strop and failed miserably and we love him for it.
When he finally retired as a Manchester United player, it not only coincided with Sir Alex Ferguson stepping down as the club’s manager but also with Wayne Rooney handing in a transfer request. Scholes’ announcement was completely overshadowed and he was delighted. He’s always had an innate ability to slip under the radar and we love him for it.
He is far more focused on turning out for his local 7-a-side team and scoring wonder goals from the halfway line. And we love him for it.
But, in recent months, something has happened. He’s popped up on red carpets, television screens and in World Cup blogs. He’s criticised Arsenal and had a couple of digs at Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward. He’s questioned whether Roy Hodgson will be brave enough to drop Wayne Rooney should the attacker’s performances not be up to scratch at this summer’s World Cup. He’s spoken publicly about probably not being at Old Trafford next season.
Scholes has always been the guy intent on sneaking in and out of somewhere through the back door, with minimum fuss. To watch him as a pundit on SKY was eye-catching, to read him as a Paddy Power columnist seems downright strange.
As refreshing as it is to see an ex-pro talk openly on a variety of topics and appear so comfortable in speaking his mind, there’s still something jarring about Scholes doing so.
There was a refreshing uniqueness to Scholes – a reluctant hero, a curmudgeon of sorts – so old-fashioned in his ways. At times, he’s carried that into retirement. When Ryan Giggs was appointed the club’s interim manager, Scholes assisted. To the delight of many, he wore shorts in the dug-out. A throwback. No frills. That’s Scholesy.
So, is the Paul Scholes that’s currently writing a blog for Paddy Power and moonlighting as a SKY Sports analyst just an imitation? Are we more likely to see him next as a coach for an obscure junior team in Oldham or as a full-time football pundit working the circuit?
Perhaps we should enjoy the new, media-savvy Scholes. Perhaps we should embrace the weirdness of it all and be thankful to finally hear his opinions on things.
But, there’s something special about the awkwardness and the disinterest. Hopefully it will come back soon.
