Paul Scholes has been receiving messages of support from families, especially from fathers, after speaking openly about his reasons for quitting live TV work
Paul Scholes has expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received after opening up about caring for his 20-year-old son Aiden, who has autism. The former Manchester United star confirmed this week that he has quit live TV work to focus on spending time with his son.
Scholes made the revelation in a candid and emotional episode of the “Stick to Football” podcast, alongside his former teammates Gary Neville and Roy Keane. The 50-year-old, who also revealed that he had split from his wife of 26 years, Claire, explained that stepping away from media work would help his son, who is non-verbal, maintain his routines.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Scholes thanked those who had shown him support following the announcement of his major career decision.
He wrote: “Would just like to thank everyone for all your kind messages since the Overlap interview regarding Aiden. There’s been loads and tried to read as many as possible.
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“The response from families (especially Dads) shows how much speaking about it helps so many… There was one quote from a parent in a similar position that’s just got me… ‘my job is to stay alive for one day longer than my son/daughter’. Anyway, it’s the weekend, let’s have a few drinks and watch the football. Come on, Salford.”
During the podcast, Scholes, who has regularly worked as a pundit or commentator for a number of broadcasters since retiring in 2013, revealed how his son’s needs had reshaped his work commitments. “I made a decision this year ‘cos of Aiden,” he shared.
“Obviously, due to his special needs, you might know about. 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 is around Aiden.”
Scholes further clarified: “Everything I’m going to do now just works around him. I do studio work, but everything is built around his day.
“Last season on Thursday nights, I’d do the Europa League for Man United, that’s the night I’d usually have him, so he was getting all agitated, biting and scratching. He knows the pattern’s not there straight away.
“And I did that for years, really, always thinking I’ve got to stop this at some point, so I had the chance to do the podcast (The Good, The Bad and The Football), and I thought that would suit me more – well, not me, Aiden.”
Scholes also discussed his weekly routine following his split from Claire, Aiden’s mother and his wife of 26 years. “I’m not with Claire anymore,” he said, “so we have him three nights each, and Claire’s mum has him on a Friday night.
“We always do the same things with him, as he doesn’t know what day or time of the week it is. But he’ll know from what we’re doing what day it is.
“I pick him up every Tuesday from his day care, and we go swimming. Loves swimming, then we get his pizza on the way home.
“Thursday, pick him up, go for something to eat, and go home. Sunday, I pick him up from Claire’s house, and we go to Tesco, where he buys a trolley full of chocolate.
“So, he doesn’t know what day or time it is, but he knows from what we’re doing what day it is. He’ll be 21 in December.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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