Zidane admits Scholes was his toughest rival

London, June 1 (ANI): Former French football captain Zinedine Zidane has described retiring Manchester United and England football star Paul Scholes as one of his toughest rivals on the field. Zidane, who faced Scholes at club and international level, said: "Scholes was my toughest opponent, the complete midfielder and undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation." Scholes confirmed his retirement earlier this week after 17 years, 676 games and 150 goals for Manchester United. According to the Daily Express, tributes have come flooding in from the great and the good of the game. Spanish midfielder Xavi said: "In the past 15 to 20 years, the best central midfielder that I have seen - the most complete - is Scholes. Former Brazilian captain Socrates said: "He was good enough to play for Brazil. I love to watch Scholes, to see him pass, the boy with the red hair and the red shirt. He had quality and character." United team mate Rio Ferdinand said: "I loved every minute of playing football with him. He's the best player of his generation." Sir Bobby Charlton added: "Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United: players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich and 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 Sir Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite." Scholes, who will be 37 in November, will not be lost entirely to United because he has accepted a coaching role with the youngsters next season. (ANI)