Paul Scholes has conceded that he was forced to finally call time on his Manchester United career last week by a persistent knee injury.
Scholes played his final game for United on Sunday after coming on as a substitute in their last-day 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
The 38-year-old was restricted to just 21 appearances last season and has revealed that a nagging knee problem helped make him finally decide to call time on a distinguished career at Old Trafford.
He is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I retired before and came back. I just felt that I still had a bit of fire left inside me. But this time it is over for good.
"The knee injury has been a real problem this season and I wasn't really up to speed at times. I know this is the right time. I am looking forward to the next stage of my career.
"I was pleased to retire when I did because I was overshadowed by bigger names bowing out at the same time. I got out under the radar."
Scholes finishes with 717 United appearances and 66 caps for England across a 20-year professional career.
