Just days after Alex Ferguson retired, one of his foremost disciples has called it day.

Paul Scholes will retire at the end of the season after almost 500 appearances for the club where he started his career.

He won every major honour available at club level.

The 38-year-old Manchester United midfielder initially retired at the end of the 2010-11 season but made a comeback in January 2012 - a decision vindicated by this season's title victory which was his 11th.

When the former England international retired for the first time, he spent time coaching the youth teams and will presumably return to that role this time round.

His team-mate Rio Ferdinand tweeted about one of the greatest Man United and English players of his generations:

Scholes retiring at the end of the season...1 of the best I played alongside also the most naturally gifted player too. #SatNav

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 11, 2013