Scholes, the anti … Three Lions: “He hated playing for England, but he said ‘I can’t do anything else'”

For many who adore the national team, there are also great players who, if they could, would have gladly stayed at home instead of showing up for the call-up. One for all? Paul Scholes, as ex-partner Michael Clegg told.

Playing for your national team is usually one of the big dreams of every child who kicks the ball. In some countries this is more true than in others, but it is undeniable that the first call-up and the first international presence are one of the best memories in a footballer’s career. After all, being chosen from among all the players in your country to represent it is an honor. And going to the retreat with the selection is something that is done with pleasure. Or not? For many who adore the national team, there are also great players who have never appreciated the issue. And that, if they could, they would gladly have stayed at home instead of showing up …

One for all? Paul Scholes. The fact that in over twenty years of career the former Manchester United midfielder has amassed 66 appearances for the Three Lions should belie this lack of love for the national team. But former teammate Michael Clegg, who is now a physical trainer on the Red Devils staff, explained in his book The Power and the Glory that the “red” was not at all interested in being summoned. “One day we were talking about the European Championships that summer and he told me he hated playing for England, which shocked me a bit. I asked him why then he continued to go to the national team and he said ‘we’re in England, I can’t do anything else. ”He was worried about the reaction of the country if he left the national team.”

An important question for Scholes, who after the chat with Clegg makes a decision. “I asked him if playing for United would have the same effect on him, but he said no, he loved doing it. And then I told him they were forcing him to do something he didn’t want to do. And some time later he left the national team. Does what we said have anything to do with it? I don’t know, we never talked about it again. What I do know is that he couldn’t stand being away from home for too long, without his wife and his children. And if you go to the national team not being happy to do so, obviously you won’t be able to give your best on the pitch. “So, better leave room for those who appreciate the situation …