Carry on, Paul! Neville pleads with fellow Manchester United great Scholes not to quit the game

 

Gary Neville has begged Paul Scholes not to quit the game at the end of the season.

The veteran midfielder is considering hanging up his boots after an outstanding career with Manchester United.

Scholes - who turns 37 in November - has already admitted he could call it a day after the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 28.

Still playing his part: Scholes in action for United against Schalke earlier this month

But Neville - who himself retired at United in January after struggling with injuries - is desperate for his former team-mate to prolong his career.

The ex-England right-back said: 'I’ve watched him play for the last few months and I’d say carry on.

'If I was playing at the ability level he reaches and making the contribution he still makes in games, I would carry on.

'Paul is his own man though. He won’t be influenced by what I say or others. Obviously the manager will be speaking to him and he’ll come to the right decision for himself and his family.

'I look at him as a United fan now and a friend and I want to see him play. He’ll make his own decision. He knows what he’s going to do. He’s experienced. He knows his own body and how he’s feeling physically and mentally.

'All I can say is I’d hope to see him play forever because he’s just a joy to watch.'

Carry on, Paul: Neville and Scholes enjoyed many memorable years together at United

Scholes has been part of a succession of brilliant teams under Sir Alex Ferguson. He has won ten league titles, three FA Cups and two European Cups during his time with the club.

Him and Neville, who retired earlier this year, shared in a number of memorable triumphs. They were both famously part of United's 1992 FA Youth Cup win.

Speaking the day after United clinched a 19th league title last weekend, United's chief executive David Gill said: 'It wouldn't surprise us if Paul Scholes retired.

'On the hand, we are enjoying the success we are having, so at the end of the season, he will have a conversation with Sir Alex about that.

'I am sure he will let us know his decision and we will respect it. He has been a brilliant player for many years. It is interesting that while Ryan got his 12th title, that was Paul's 10th.'