Football legend Paul Scholes has revealed he’s quit live punditry to focus on the most important job of his life, being a dad.
The Manchester United icon, 50, says he’s stepped away from his on-screen roles to care for his 20-year-old son Aiden, who has severe autism and is non-verbal.
Speaking in an emotional chat on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes opened up about why he’s turned his back on the spotlight.
“Everything I do now is around Aiden,” he said. “He has a strict routine, and my whole life just fits around that.”
The former England midfielder, who was a regular face on TNT Sports last season, hasn’t appeared on their coverage this campaign.
His last match behind the mic was May’s Europa League final in Bilbao, where United fell 1-0 to Spurs.
Now, Scholes says his time is dedicated to his son, whom he looks after three days a week alongside ex-partner Claire.
“He doesn’t know what day of the week it is, but he knows by what we do,” Scholes explained.
“On Tuesdays, we go swimming and grab a pizza. On Thursdays, we go out for food. On Sundays, it’s Tesco, and he fills the trolley with chocolate. He loves it.”
Despite his glittering career, Scholes admitted fatherhood has been his toughest test.
“When he was diagnosed, we didn’t know what was coming. You think maybe they’ll start talking later, but it never happened. I’d turn up at training with bite marks and scratches; it was hard.”
Scholes also opened up about his fears for the future.
“The big worry now is, what happens when I’m not here? That’s what’s always in my mind.”
Though he’s stepped back from travelling to live matches, the United great isn’t disappearing completely.
He plans to continue studio work and record his hit podcast with Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness, which fits better around Aiden’s schedule.
“Last season, I’d be away on Thursdays for the Europa League, that’s the night I usually have Aiden.
He’d get agitated straight away, biting and scratching, because the pattern was broken,” he said. “Now, I’ve changed everything. It’s not about me anymore, it’s about him.”
Scholes’ moving honesty has struck a chord with fans, many praising the former Red Devil for showing that even football heroes are just dads doing their best for the ones they love most.
