Paul Scholes delighted to leave Manchester United under the radar thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement

Paul Scholes says he was delighted to be able to leave Manchester United in the quietest manner possible thanks to the retirement of manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The midfielder is renowned for his quiet and reserved personality, eschewing the excesses of football and playing because of a love for the game.

Ferguson left Old Trafford after more than 26 years in charge and the emotional goodbye helped Scholes quit for the second time, after being lured out of retirement by the wily Scot in January last season.

Bowing out: Paul Scholes's exit was low-key - just how he wanted it

Recognised: Scholes clearly wasn't allowed to leave without ANY triubutes

'For me, it is about the game, a way of playing. The pleasure of striking a ball or finding the right pass. It is not about having my name up in lights,' Scholes told The Times.

'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.'

Although the 'Ginger Ninja' is waving goodbye, his friend and former team-mate, Ryan Giggs, will continue to play at the age of 39.

Still got it: Ryan Giggs was hailed by Scholes for his longevity and fitness

But Scholes is certain that the Welshman can maintain the same level of performance until he wants to retire himself.

'When Gary (Neville), Nicky (Butt), me and David (Beckham) came into the set-up, we idolised him. In some ways I still do,' he said.

'He could go on for as long as he likes. He is in a league of his own.'

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