Scholes ends England career
Tuesday, August 3, 2004
Article summary
England midfield player Paul Scholes has announced his international retirement.
Article body
Difficult decision
Manchester United FC's Scholes, who represented his country at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championships, won 66 caps, scoring 14 goals. "This is a decision I have not taken lightly, I have been considering retiring from international football for a while now," Scholes told the United website.
'Time was right'
"I started my England career in 1997 and have enjoyed seven years of great football, playing in the best competitions, with some of the best players, under the best managers. [UEFA] EURO 2004™ was fantastic but afterwards I felt the time was right for myself, and my family, to make it my last England appearance."
Club focus
Scholes will concentrate on his career at Old Trafford, where he has played his club football since coming through the ranks to make his first-team debut in the 1994/95 season. He has claimed six Premiership titles and helped the team win the 1999 UEFA Champions League, although he was suspended for the final.