In the sweep of its appeal, its ability to touch every corner of humanity, football is the only game that needed to be invented.

I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It's Paul Scholes. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley.

Some people tell me that we professional players are soccer slaves. Well, if this is slavery, give me a life sentence.

Paul Scholes is my favourite player. He epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything that is good about football.

I think now Messi is probably done more than most players. But he is in the same class as Alfredo de Stefano, Johan Cruyff, Pelé. When he finishes and he retires, he will automatically become one of them. A player that people will talk about forever, while the game of football is as good and as popular as it is. He is a sensational player.

Tottenham have impressed me. They haven't thrown in the towel even though they have been under the gun.

In the sweep of its appeal, its ability to touch every corner of humanity, football is the only game that needed to be invented.