Yet another praise for the Maestro

Zidane: My biggest regret was not playing with Scholes

Zinedine Zidane knows precisely why England continue to knock on Paul Scholes’s door six years after he called time on international duty.

England coach Fabio Capello will once again attempt to talk the 35-year-old Manchester United midfielder into coming out of retirement, despite ­failing with a last-ditch bid to take him to the World Cup in the summer.

Yet it is no coincidence that the two England managers who preceded him — Steve ­McClaren and Sven Goran Eriksson — also tried and failed to get the red-head to ­represent his country again.



To this day Zidane’s declaration that Scholes was his toughest opponent is used as the ultimate tribute to the United star. Assessing ­Capello’s latest move to woo Scholes, Zidane said: “It’s only natural to want to select your best players and there is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own.

“He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get.

“One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”

Zidane’s status as the ­greatest midfielder of the past 20 years remains unchallenged.
He mixed breath-taking skills and a lethal eye for goal with a physical power that few ­opponents could live with.

Physically he stood head and shoulders above Scholes, but in terms of football skills and savvy he regards the Old Trafford hero as his equal. ­Zidane went on: “He was an extremely tough opponent to play against. You didn’t get any time on the ball when he was around. He would close you down and make your life ­terribly uncomfortable.

“He is the type of player you want on your side, not in ­opposition because he could do so much damage.

“He is very gifted. He makes the game look easy because he’s so much natural ­ability.”

There is no doubt Scholes’s decision to call time on his international career was a contributing factor in his ­on-going success at United.

Zidane said: “It has enabled him to solely concentrate on club football which has ­undoubtedly extended his domestic playing career.

“You have to adapt as you get older. You don’t have strength and energy in abundance. You have to compensate for you age and listen to your body.”

Ironically, Zidane came out of retirement to play for France again in 2005, leading his country to the World Cup Final in Germany a year later.

The fairy-tale ending to a magnificent career ended in turmoil, though, when he was sent off in France’s defeat to Italy for butting ­Massimo ­Matterazzi.

Scholes has admitted he made a mistake not going to South Africa with England when they came calling, but it remains unsure whether he’d return for a gruelling Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Zidane added: “Life is full of regrets, but it doesn’t pay to look back.
“When I returned I was given lots of time to ­consider my position. I’m not sure he was afforded the same ­luxury.”

Zidane ended: “Sir Alex ­[Ferguson] has been a huge influence on Scholes – someone he respects and listens to.

“I’m not sure Sir Alex would ­encourage him to return, but would be quick to point out the drawbacks.”

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Scholes, 35, who has largely kept his thoughts to himself during a 17-year career at Old Trafford, said yesterday that his reputation for poor tackling 'did not bother him one little bit' and insisted he preferred being criticised to being praised.

The midfielder, who will be in action at Fulham today, said: 'I don't like compliments, I prefer criticism. I'd rather people have a go so I can prove them wrong. Criticism of my tackling doesn't bother me one little bit. Obviously I have missed a few tackles, but who hasn't?'

Unfortunately for Scholes, he has been showered with praise after a superlative start to the season, with Ferguson saying: 'He's just an incredible footballer. It's phenomenal that he can go out and perform like this approaching his 36th birthday.'

Wenger has been the one dissenting voice, praising Scholes as a performer but saying he has not always been the 'fairest' of players. The Arsenal manager said: 'For me, he was not a fair player. There's a little bit of a darker side in him, sometimes, that I did not like.'

Scholes has never been tempted to leave United. He said: 'It's a no-brainer. What is the point? I am from Manchester and Manchester United is the best club so why move?

'It is half an hour from home to the training ground and Old Trafford and we win trophies. I have never been bored or fancied a change.'

Scholes, who turned down the chance to play for England at the World Cup after he was given two hours by Fabio Capello to decide, said he would like to be a manager or coach when he retires.

'Hopefully, when I finish I will be offered a job somewhere. It would be nice if it was at United.'

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