United midfielder Scholes confirms retirement

Manchester United FC midfielder Paul Scholes has announced he will retire for the second time at the end of the season.

The former England player originally hung up his boots in 2011, but, missing the game, soon reversed that decision and made a surprise return in United's FA Cup tie against Manchester City FC in January 2012. The 38-year-old, who made the first of his 716 appearances for the Red Devils in 1994, signed a one-year contract at the end of last term.

"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," said Scholes, capped 66 times at international level. "The team has the right balance and will continue to thrive under the leadership of David Moyes."

Scholes has won 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and the UEFA Champions League on two occasions. Having not featured for United since 26 January, he will make his final Old Trafford outing on Sunday when Swansea City AFC are the visitors for what will also be Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game as manager.

Sir Alex, who will be succeeded on 1 July by Everton FC boss David Moyes, said: "Paul is a truly unbelievable player. He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years."