Manchester United’s Paul Scholes retires

The 36-year old is one of the most decorated players in the modern day, picking up 24 winners medals during his time with Manchester United.

Scholes worked his way up through the United academy and was part of the club’s famous group of youngsters in the mid-1990’s.

Scholes played more than 650 times for United.

Some of Scholes greatest achievements  are his 10 Premier League and two Champions League titles since his debut in September 1994.

Scholes struggled to secure first team football this season and he opted not to sign a new contract as a player, but will be at Ferguson’s side next season as a coach.

In a statement released on the club's official site, Scholes said: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege.

"I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career, I would also like to thank all the coaches and players that I have worked with over the years, but most of all I would like to thank Sir Alex for being such a great manager, from the day I joined the club his door has always been open and I know this team will go on to win many more trophies under his leadership."

Ferguson has led the tributes to the former England international, stating that Scholes is an inspirational figure.

He said: "What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before. We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

The club's chief executive, David Gill, has also paid tribute to the veteran, saying: "It is a very sad day for Manchester United fans around the world. We all know that Paul was one of the players that came through the ranks of the academy system in the 1990's and has established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt.

"It is very important that the club keeps its association with these great players and we are delighted that Paul will join the coaching staff."

Honours:

Manchester United

* Premier League (10): 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11

* FA Cup (3): 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04

* Football League Cup (2): 2008–09, 2009–10

* FA Community Shield (5): 1996, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2010

* UEFA Champions League (2): 1998–99, 2007–08

* Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999

* FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008

International

England U18

* UEFA European Under-18 Football Championship: 1993

England

* 1997 Tournoi de France

Individual

* Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year (1): 1992–93

* Premier League Player of the Month (4): January 2003, December 2003, October 2006, August 2010

* PFA Team of the Year (3): 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07

* Premier League 10 Seasons Awards (1992–93 to 2001–02): Domestic & Overall Team of the Decade

* English Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2008