The former Manchester United midfielder used to do all his talking on the pitch, but not anymore.
Paul Scholes has signed a deal to join BT Sport for the next four years.
The 39-year-old will join the panel of analysts for the channel’s live Premier League matches next season, while he work on the Champions League and Europa League when the rights go to BT Sports from the 2015/16 season onwards.
Scholes was, of course, always reluctant to appear in front of the cameras during a stellar playing career but in the last year has made several TV appearances and started writing a blog for the Paddy Power website.
He has had some less than kind words for the likes of England stars Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere, explaining that Rooney was past his best and Wilshere had never fulfilled his potential, so his signing is seen as quite the coup for Sky Sports’ biggest rivals.
Grant Best, Senior Channel Executive Producer, BT Sport, said: “Paul has proved himself to be a forthright and astute pundit since he hung up his boots.
“His recent opinions have been every bit as tenacious as his tackling on the pitch. It is fantastic that we have been able to sign up a legend like Paul to offer a unique insight, based on a record of consistent success at the highest level of the game.”
With BT Sport’s Champions League deal not coming into force until next season, Scholes will work for ITV – presumably alongside his former United team-mate Roy Keane – during this season’s Champions League games.
