Man Utd legend Scholes more proud of badminton trophy than Fifa Club World Cup gong as he takes dig at Liverpool
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has belittled the importance of the Fifa Club World Cup – even claiming that a badminton trophy won at his local club means more to him.
The 45-year-old was part of the Red Devils side under Sir Alex Ferguson that won the competition in 2008 – but downplayed its importance.
Scholes was asked about the tournament after Liverpool’s dramatic victory over Flamengo to lift the trophy last week.
Jurgen Klopp’s side became just the second English side, after United, to win the competition.
But Scholes told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Well you want it to win it once you’re there but I don’t think it was ever something that we were desperate to win.
“Even now if someone said to you, ‘What trophies did you win over the years?’ I don’t think we’d mention the World Club Championship. I really don’t.”
The former United midfielder did consider that the competition may grow in importance with time.
He said: “But you know what, it’s like anything else.
“It might take more importance over the years. It looks like Liverpool have you know – they’ve enjoyed it, celebrated it and probably will mention it and why not.
“But just when we were playing it wasn’t that serious I don’t think. But now you look back I suppose you’re quite happy, but it’s not something you set out to do as a player I don’t think.”
Co-host Robbie Savage then asked his former Class of 92 team-mate Scholes whether he valued his badminton trophy won at his local club higher than his Club World Cup.
To which Scholes replied: “My badminton trophy!”
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In their triumph back in 2008, United defeated Japanese side Gamba Osaka 5-3 in a goal bonanza – before overcoming Ecuadorians Liga de Quito 1-0 in a surprisingly tense final.
It was thought that Liverpool’s excursions in Qatar may harm their incredible league form.
But having brought the trophy home, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds stomped all over those theories by devouring second-placed Leicester 4-0 at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.