You may have to pinch yourself to believe it, but the truth is Manchester United legend Paul Scholes will be seen playing in India in less than a month's time. Not on the football field, however, but on the futsal field.
The first-of-its-kind Premier Futsal, scheduled to start in India on July 15, has officially confirmed that the veteran Red Devils midfield maestro will be plying his trade in the tournament. Scholes becomes the third marquee signing of the league, which the AIFF have not recognised, joining the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea veteran Deco as well as Falcao, referred to as the 'Pele of Futsal'.
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is the brand ambassador of Premier Futsal.
Scholes, a winner of 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns and three FA Cups with Manchester United, retired from club football on May 2013. A midfielder par excellence, the 41-year-old is still regarded by football aficionados as one of the greatest English players to have played the beautiful game.
He joined United as a youth player in 1991 and was a part of the club's famous 'Class of 92' featuring Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Gary Neville. Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the greatest football managers ever, remained the mentor for the youngsters, who would achieve greatness in ten years' time.
Scholes made a total of 718 appearances for Manchester United in his career and is only third behind Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton in the list of appearances for the club.
Players from across 21 countries are slated to take part in the first-ever Premier Futsal competition in India. There will be eight teams representing Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad and Goa in the league. Three international players, one international marquee player and one Indian player will comprise the five-member teams.
