Scholes joins Legends
Just weeks after retiring, Paul Scholes will return to Old Trafford to play in the Red Heart United legends match with Real Madrid at the request of team manager Bryan Robson.
Scholes will join a host of former team-mates including Andy Cole, Jaap Stam and Edwin van der Sar to face the Spanish giants, who will include the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Claude Makelele among their ranks.
Having recruited Scholes, who bowed out of football after last weekend's 5-5 draw at West Brom, Robson relished the prospect of seeing the United hero play again: “I think Scholsey will love not just being on the pitch with Real Madrid, but also with Zinedine Zidane.
“In the past he has said that Scholsey was the best midfield player in the world, so it will be nice for Paul to play against him again and the rest of the Real Madrid players. We all still love participating in the game and playing for charity is something players enjoy doing.”
Real Madrid travel to Old Trafford hoping to defend a 3-2 victory claimed in the first leg at the Bernabeu last year. And although the match is being played in aid of the MU Foundation, Scholes is keen to turn the deficit around.
“It would be great to win the game,” Paul explained. “But there are some true greats in their team; players who have won World Cups and European Championships.”
“The skill, dedication and passion it takes to be the best in the world is something you never lose. It may be for charity, but it’s going to be a very tough game.”
That sentiment is echoed by the great Zidane, who is only too aware of Scholes' abilties having once described him as 'the complete footballer': “He’s almost untouchable in what he does,” Zizou said.
“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.”
The Red Heart United legends match will be pre-empted by an opening ceremony in which JLS, Amelia Lily and Tinchy Stryder will all perform a selection of hits, offering a fantastic day out for the whole family.
In keeping with the two clubs’ origins, fans can also try their hand at various Spanish and British themed games whilst sampling traditional cuisine from both nations.
All proceeds from Red Heart United will go to the Manchester United Foundation and will help to fund projects that help young people in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester. Tickets are on sale now and are available by visiting
Legends Are Back - Official Manchester United Website or calling 0161 868 8000 and selecting option 9.
Source
