Paul Scholes told former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville he couldn't play for Salford City - because 'I'm fat as f***'

Former Manchester United midfielder was asked to come out of retirement for an FA Cup game


 "[Scholes] was just always on the same wavelength as you," explained Ryan Giggs (Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)

Paul Scholes gave a resounding answer to former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville when he was asked to come out of retirement.

The pair, along with fellow United legends Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, own 10 per cent stakes in non-league side Salford City FC and Neville thought it would be a good idea to play in an FA Cup game in a bid to drum up some interest.

The BBC will broadcast a two-part documentary on how the five players did in their first season running the club in the Northern Premier League Division One North in 2014-15.

Neville tried to get Scholes (above, pictured at a charity match in June) to lace up his boots one more time.

"It's me," said Neville in a phone call to Scholes from his car.

"What do you think about playing for Salford against Ashton United in the FA Cup? One word answer."

"Shambles," replied Scholes, as Neville laughs.

"Go on," Neville adds. "One game! I'll play if you play."

But the former England midfielder, who won 11 Premier League titles and the European Cup was having none of it.

"I'm fat as f***. What would it achieve?"

Neville says: "We'll get 2000 in the crowd. It would create a bit of excitement. And everyone would see you play! Do you fancy it?"

Unfortunately Scholes decides against it.

Watch Class of 92: Out of their League, Thursday 29 October, 9pm, BBC One