Manchester United and England legend, Paul Scholes, has recently announced his decision to step back from television punditry. The reason behind this significant career shift is a deeply personal one - caring for his 20-year-old autistic son, Aiden. In an emotional interview, Scholes opened up about the challenges and rewards of looking after Aiden.
Scholes' retirement in 2013 did not dim his popularity; he remained an in-demand figure among his former Man United teammates. The 50-year-old was a frequent fixture on television coverage of domestic and European matches until this season when he decided to focus on podcasting. However, it wasn't just the media appearances that Scholes 'hated', as he confessed during an episode of the Stick to Football podcast sponsored by Arne. His decision was primarily driven by a desire to build a routine with Aiden who is non-verbal and was diagnosed with 'severe autism' at two-and-a-half years old.
Paul Scholes, Manchester United legend, said:
'All the work I do now is just around his routines, 'cos he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I'm going to do, it is around Aiden,'
In addition to adjusting his career path, Scholes also revealed that he had separated from Claire Froggatt, whom he married in 1999. Despite their separation, both parents share equal responsibility for their son's care - spending three nights each week with him while Froggatt's mother takes over on Fridays.
Understanding autism
Discussing Aiden's diagnosis further, Scholes noted that while Aiden can't speak conventionally, "he understands a lot more than we think." He added that only those close to him could understand Aiden's unique sounds and expressions.
Scholes also shared that the early days following Aiden's diagnosis were particularly challenging. He would often arrive at Carrington for training with bite or scratch marks from Aiden, who was struggling to communicate his frustrations. However, Scholes has found solace and reward in sharing snippets of his life with Aiden on social media. He believes that these glimpses into their daily routine can provide comfort to other parents facing similar experiences with their children.
Paul Scholes' decision to prioritize his son over a high-profile career is a testament to the love and dedication he has for his family. His journey from being a celebrated footballer to a devoted father caring for an autistic child offers inspiration and hope for many families dealing with similar circumstances.
