Paul Scholes Reveals Personal Reason For Stepping Back From Commentary Work

Paul Scholes has stepped back from commentary work to care for his 20-year-old autistic son, Aiden. He opened up about the challenges and rewards of looking after his son on the Stick to Football podcast.

What prompted the decision?

Scholes explained that his son's needs come first, and he has to work around Aiden's day. He said: “Everything I’m going to do now just works around him. I do studio work, but everything is built around his day.”

The impact on his career

Scholes initially kept Aiden’s diagnosis a secret from his teammates and Sir Alex Ferguson, but eventually opened up after being dropped from the team. He recalled: “I never got a break from it, even when playing-it was very hard in those days.”

Life as a parent

Scholes finds it rewarding to share moments of his life with Aiden on social media and has had conversations with parents experiencing the same thing. He has played 718 appearances for Manchester United, registering 155 goals, and helped the club win 11 Premier League titles. Scholes is now focused on his podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Football, with former United teammate Nicky Butt. He has split from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Claire Froggatt, and is now prioritizing his son's needs. Scholes’ experiences have given him a new perspective on life and football, and he is grateful for the support of his fans. The Manchester United legend has always been known for his dedication to his family and his craft, and this new chapter in his life is no exception.