Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been honoured with a mural in his home town of Middleton.
Scholes made 718 appearances and scored 155 goals for United - his only club during a career that spanned almost two decades and included 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs.
'The Ginger Ninja', as he was affectionately known by Reds, has moved into punditry since retiring in 2013, working with TNT Sports and The Overlap, among others.
He is also the co-owner of Salford City, who he has managed across two caretaker spells, but it is in Langley, Middleton - a town in the borough of Rochdale - where he is most cherished.
So it's fitting that Scholesy's image has now been rendered large across the side of Middleton Fish Bar, following a public poll asking residents to choose from a selection of famous local subjects.
Renowned street artist Akse P19 is the man responsible for the final design and he has past experience when it comes to portraying United figures, having created Marcus Rashford's mural in Withington during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Thrilled to have completed the mural of @Paulscholesaaa in Middleton, curated by @culturecoopuk, @art.house.midd, and @middletoncooperating,”
the artist said, on Instagram.
“Paul Scholes, a true legend of the game, hails from Langley, Middleton, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation— just ask @zidane!
“Recently, a public poll was held to decide which local subject should be celebrated with a mural, and Scholes not only won but did so by a significant margin.
“What’s even more remarkable is that some Manchester City fans participated in the vote, choosing Scholes, which speaks volumes about the impact he’s had not only in the football world but also within the local community.
“This mural serves as a lasting tribute to his incredible career and the pride he brings to Middleton.”
The art is based on an original photo by Mancunian photographer Paul Cooper, and Scholes was typically laidback when asked about the depiction on the latest episode of The Overlap's Fan Debate.
“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that,”
he said.
“It’s on the side of a chippy in Middleton, where I’m from. I didn’t really know about it, but someone sent me a picture of it on Instagram last week.
“Apparently there was a vote for three or four people from Middleton – [Alan Partridge actor] Steve Coogan, and a swimmer, Keri-Anne Payne, were in there, and I won the vote.”
Nice one, Scholesy!