Paul Scholes, the midfield maestro of Manchester United, once faced a life-altering decision at the peak of his career. At 25, an astonishing offer arrived from Inter Milan – a tax-free salary of £4 million a year, a sum that dwarfed his current earnings at the club he loved.
The figure, splashed across the back pages of newspapers as a potential £30 million deal, was almost too much to ignore. Yet, Scholes wrestled with a profound loyalty, a deep-seated connection to the red of Manchester United that transcended mere finances.
Driven by a flicker of ambition, he ultimately summoned the courage to approach Sir Alex Ferguson, requesting a pay rise. It was a moment he would later deeply regret, a confrontation that exposed a vulnerability he hadn’t anticipated.
Ferguson, ever the master of control, didn’t engage in debate or negotiation. Instead, he calmly flipped through his iconic little black book, a repository of player statistics and observations, before delivering a dismissive verdict: Scholes was already fairly compensated.
The response was crushing. Scholes recalls the encounter with palpable discomfort, his heart racing even now when recalling the feeling of asking for more and being so easily rebuffed. It was, he admits, his biggest regret in football.
Gary Neville, a long-time teammate and friend, defended Scholes’ actions, pointing out the audacity of the offer and the player’s right to explore his market value after achieving unprecedented success, including a recent treble win.
Despite the tempting financial rewards, Scholes’ heart remained firmly rooted in Manchester. He confessed that if Ferguson had indicated he was no longer wanted, he would have readily accepted Inter Milan’s proposal.
Inter Milan’s pursuit was relentless. Former president Massimo Moratti revealed they were so desperate to secure Scholes’ signature that they offered Manchester United a blank cheque, only to be met with a resolute refusal. Scholes’ response was legendary: they’d have to buy the entire club to have him.
Ultimately, Scholes remained a Red Devil for another decade, accumulating over 700 appearances and cementing his status as a club legend. He amassed an incredible collection of trophies – 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, and five domestic cups – a testament to his unwavering commitment.
He understood, even then, that he was already playing for the biggest club in the world, a realization that ultimately outweighed the allure of riches and a new adventure abroad. His story is a powerful reminder that some things are simply beyond price.
