‘That Was the End’: How a Spurs Legend Made Paul Scholes Regret His Comeback

Gareth Bale Pushed Paul Scholes to His Limit

Paul Scholes initially retired from professional football in 2011 but made a surprising return to Manchester United just a year later.

Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, Scholes rejoined the squad and contributed to the club’s success, helping them secure the Premier League title in the 2012/13 season.

It was a triumphant conclusion to his illustrious career, but not without its challenges.

One particular game during his comeback highlighted the toll of continuing at the top level, and it was all due to the brilliance of Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale.

Scholes has since reflected on this moment, admitting it pushed him to his physical and mental limits.

Scholes Reflects on Facing Gareth Bale

Speaking on the Football’s Greatest podcast, Scholes recounted the match against Tottenham where Bale’s performance left him struggling to keep up.

Reflecting on his decision to return, Scholes admitted it may not have been the right choice.

“I thought retiring the first time would be it,” Scholes explained. “I came back initially for six months, but the manager wanted me to stay another season. Looking back, that was probably a mistake.

“In the first home game of that last season, we played Tottenham.

I didn’t think I played too badly, but I came up against Gareth Bale, who was just starting to hit his stride.

He was flying. He went past me two or three times, and I realized I couldn’t compete. At that point, I had no chance.”

Bale, then at the peak of his powers with Spurs, was becoming a force to be reckoned with.

By the end of the season, he earned a record-breaking move to Real Madrid, but not before leaving an unforgettable impression on Scholes.

“I remember sitting in the ice bath afterward,” Scholes continued. “I could’ve stayed there for two days.

I could barely move for three or four days after that game. That’s when I knew—I should’ve stopped. It was a mistake to keep playing that season.”

Scholes is not alone in feeling the full impact of Bale’s talent.

The Welshman had a reputation for dominating opponents, most famously dismantling Maicon during a legendary display against Inter Milan.

There’s no shame in being overrun by Bale during his peak.