MANCHESTER UNITED FANS are today digesting the news they knew was coming; Paul Scholes has announced his retirement from football.

The club revealed this morning that the former England playmaker will stay at Old Trafford however, taking up a coaching role.

“I am not a man of many words,” said Scholes in a statement, “but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

“This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege.”

The manager who introduced Scholes to the big stage as one of “Fergie’s Fledglings” hailed the contribution of the player.

“What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before. We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player,” said Alex Ferguson.

“Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season. Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role.”

The rest of the world too has chipped in with their tributes for Scholes.