Paul Scholes reveals his biggest regret in football was trying to use a potential move to Inter Milan as leverage for a pay rise at Manchester United. This incident occurred during Euro 2000.
What happened?
Scholes was contacted by Ryan Giggs' agent Harry Swales, who claimed Inter Milan wanted to offer him a £4m-a-year tax-free deal.
The aftermath
Scholes decided to use this information to try and get a pay rise out of Sir Alex Ferguson, but it backfired. Ferguson pulled out a little black book and told Scholes he was already being paid a fair wage.
Scholes has spoken about the incident on The Overlap, saying it was the worst thing he ever did in his life. He felt bad about trying to negotiate a pay rise, especially since he was already playing for his dream club.
Why it matters for Paul Scholes
The incident shows that even top players like Scholes can make mistakes when it comes to contract negotiations. Scholes has said that he was at the peak of his powers at the time, but still felt the need to try and get a better deal.
Scholes remained a one-club man at Old Trafford for the remainder of his career, making 716 appearances across two decades. He has since retired and gone on to pursue a career in management and punditry.
What comes next?
Scholes has called time on his broadcasting career to take care of his autistic son. He has spoken about the challenges of balancing his career and family life, and has decided to prioritize his son's needs.
The incident with Inter Milan has been a valuable learning experience for Scholes, who has spoken about the importance of being honest and transparent in contract negotiations. He has also spoken about the need for players to prioritize their family life and well-being.
Scholes' decision to speak publicly about his regret has been praised by his former teammates, including Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. They have said that Scholes was well within his right to try and negotiate a better deal, but that it's also important to prioritize loyalty and commitment to the club.
Scholes' career at Manchester United was marked by numerous successes, including winning the treble in 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the club's history, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
The Overlap has provided a platform for Scholes to speak candidly about his career and personal life. He has spoken about the challenges he faced as a player, as well as the lessons he has learned along the way.
Scholes' story serves as a reminder that even the most successful players can face challenges and setbacks. However, it's how they respond to these challenges that truly defines their character and legacy.
Scholes has spoken about the importance of staying humble and grounded, even in the face of success. He has said that his family and friends have been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his career.
The incident with Inter Milan may have been a regret for Scholes, but it has also taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of loyalty and commitment. He has spoken about the need for players to prioritize their values and principles, rather than just chasing money and success.
Scholes' legacy at Manchester United continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history, and his contributions to the team's success will never be forgotten.
Scholes has said that he is proud of his achievements at Manchester United, and that he will always cherish the memories he made at the club. He has spoken about the importance of staying connected to his roots and his community, and has continued to be involved in local football initiatives since his retirement.
The story of Paul Scholes serves as a reminder that success is not just about achieving greatness, but also about staying true to oneself and one's values. He has spoken about the importance of humility, loyalty, and commitment, and has inspired countless fans around the world with his remarkable career and personal story.