Former France star Zinedine Zidane: I regret not playing with Manchester United star Paul Scholes

Former France Star Zinedine Zidane: I Regret Not Playing With Manchester United Star Paul Scholes

Aug 22, 2010 9:30:00 AM

Legendary midfielder believes Englishman is in 'class of his own'

Zinedine Zidane admits that one of the biggest regrets of his career is not getting the chance to play with Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.

England manager Fabio Capello is going to try and tempt the 35-year-old Red Devils star to come out of his six-year international retirement to join the Three Lions for Euro 2012 after failing to get him to return for the World Cup this summer.

Zidane praised Scholes as one of the finest players that he competed against in his career, and states that he laments not having been able to play alongside the Englishman.

“It’s only natural to want to select your best players and there is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own,” Zidane told The Mirror.

“He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get.

“One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”

The France legend praised Scholes for the way in which he made it difficult for opposition players on the pitch.

“He was an extremely tough opponent to play against. You didn’t get any time on the ball when he was around. He would close you down and make your life terribly uncomfortable.

“He is the type of player you want on your side, not in opposition because he could do so much damage.

“He is very gifted. He makes the game look easy because he’s so much natural ability.”

Scholes has stated that he regrets not joining England in South Africa, but Zidane, who returned from retirement to lead France to the 2006 World Cup final, believes that the Englishman must not think about that now.

“Life is full of regrets, but it doesn’t pay to look back.

“When I returned I was given lots of time to consider my position. I’m not sure he was afforded the same luxury.”

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