I chose Man United over England because the players were too selfish - but now I regret it

Playing for one's nation is often hailed as the ultimate achievement for any professional footballer. Even in 2024, amid club vs country disputes and escalating player workloads, major international tournaments remain a special allure for top-level players.

The euphoria of securing World Cup or European Championship triumph is unparalleled. Consider, for instance, the nationwide jubilation when Luke Shaw scored for England in the Euro 2020 final.

Despite success with Manchester United, that moment with the Three Lions will forever be a cherished memory. However, the same cannot be said for Paul Scholes.

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Despite being one of the most successful club players of his, or indeed any era, the former United midfielder was so disenchanted with playing for England that he retired at just 29. The question that always arises - and one that he still ponders over - is why?

Michael Clegg disclosed in his book 'The Power and the Glory' how much Scholes detested England duty around the time of his early retirement in 2004. As quoted by The Manchester Evening News, the former United star said: "[Paul] said he hated playing for England, which came as a bit of a shock.

"I asked him why he kept turning up and he said; 'Well it's England, that's what you have to do'. Paul was worried about the reaction he would get from the rest of the country if he stopped playing for England.

"I asked him if he'd ever felt the same way playing for his school team, or with his mates, or for United and he said that was different. He loved that. I told him that he was being