Paul Scholes has shared a heart-warming message to son Aiden on his 21st birthday, as the former Manchester United and England midfielder has stepped back from live TV work
Paul Scholes has sent an emotional message to his son Aiden on his 21st birthday.
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Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has delivered a touching tribute to his son Aiden as he celebrates his 21st birthday. Aiden lives with severe autism and is non-verbal, with Scholes having previously opened up about the ups and downs of being his carer.
The former United and England midfielder, now 51, stepped away from live television commitments at the close of last season to dedicate more time to Aiden. Posting on Instagram yesterday, Scholes uploaded a photo of Aiden, accompanied by the words: "Happy 21st birthday our special boy @aidenlukescholes... wish you knew how much we all love you xxx."
The post drew responses from his old United colleagues. Gary Neville replied in the comments with three red heart emojis, whilst Patrice Evra posted "Joyeux anniversaire", the French translation of Happy Birthday.
Nicky Butt added two applause, two celebration and a red heart emoji. Former England team-mate John Terry also chimed in with two blue heart emojis.
The message follows Scholes speaking candidly about the challenges of learning about Aiden's diagnosis during his younger years. At that point, Scholes was still turning out for United.
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Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: "He'd bite your arm or scratch you just out of frustration for him, 'cos he didn't understand things, couldn't tell you how he was feeling. I never got a break from it, even when playing.
"It was very hard in those days, and feels like it was years ago. I don't think (the doctors) diagnosed it until they were two-and-a-half years old.
"But you knew early something was wrong, but then you get the diagnosis, and I'd never heard of it. Then, all of a sudden you start seeing everything, I don't know if it just consciously happens, I don't know."
Scholes also discussed why he chose to keep it private at the club. "I just thought even if I did speak to someone about it, it's not going to help Aiden," he said.
Paul Scholes looks on
Paul Scholes has taken a step back from TV work
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When questioned whether opening up might have benefited him personally, he said: "I don't know what would help me."
Following his retirement from playing, Scholes earned widespread respect as a pundit. He was a fixture on TNT Sports ' coverage of United's run to last season's Europa League final.
However, he's now chosen to scale back his commitments. Instead, Scholes has joined forces with Butt and Paddy McGuinness on a podcast titled The Good, The Bad and The Football.
The shift away from live broadcasting allows him to prioritise time with his son. Scholes explained: "I do studio work, but everything is built around his day.
"Last season on Thursday nights I'd do the Europa League for Man Utd, 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 straightaway. 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 and I thought that would suit me more, well not me, Aiden."