LONDON - Long-serving Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes announced his retirement for a second time on Saturday -- just days after veteran manager Alex Ferguson said he would be standing down at the end of the season. Former England international Scholes, 38, first quit in 2011 to take up a position on United's coaching staff but returned to first team action in January last year. "Yes, I am finally hanging up my boots for good," said Scholes. "Playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United, under the greatest manager of all time, has been an honour," Scholes added. "Paul is a truly unbelievable player. He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years.” –AFP