Paul Scholes steps back from punditry to care for son Aiden
Paul Scholes has announced he will take a step back from football punditry to focus on caring for his son, Aiden, after a heartfelt interview highlighted his family’s challenges, reports BritPanorama.
The Manchester United and England legend expressed his gratitude towards fans for their supportive messages following his appearance on The Overlap, where he candidly discussed his family’s circumstance. Aiden, who is largely non-verbal and diagnosed with autism, needs substantial care, prompting Scholes’s decision.
“Would just like to thank everyone for all your kind messages since The Overlap interview regarding Aiden – there’s been loads and I’ve tried to read as many as possible,” Scholes wrote on Instagram. He highlighted the responses from other parents, particularly fathers, who resonated with his experiences.
During the interview, Scholes made it clear that his commitment to Aiden’s wellbeing took precedence over his career. “I just decided everything I’m going to do is around Aiden,” he stated, marking a significant shift in his public persona. This is a rare glimpse into the former footballer’s personal life, as he typically keeps such matters private.
Scholes also revealed his separation from his wife, Claire Froggatt, noting that Aiden would be spending several nights each week at her home. This context adds depth to his decision to dedicate himself fully to his son, who is now 20.
His openness has resonated profoundly with parents and carers of children with special needs, generating hundreds of messages of solidarity on social media since the interview aired. The football great’s honesty about the realities of caring for a child with autism has sparked discussions about the emotional weight families often bear.
His other two children, Arron and Alicia, also reflect a family-oriented approach; Arron runs the family’s gym, and Alicia plays netball at a competitive level. Nevertheless, Scholes has reaffirmed that his primary focus is on Aiden.
In a society progressively addressing the challenges parents face, Scholes’s candid remarks have opened up critical conversations about autism awareness. While he is known for his reserved nature, this unfiltered honesty reveals a softer side to the midfielder, who won 11 Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United.
As Scholes encourages others to appreciate life’s small joys, he also reminds fans of the importance of supporting one another in times of need. The former player’s journey is a testament to the delicate balance of family and personal commitment—an inspiring narrative for many navigating similar waters.
