Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has poured cold water over Liverpool’s Club World Cup win, insisting the tournament “wasn’t that serious” when he was at United.
Liverpool lifted the trophy for the first time ever in their history on December 18, beating Flamengo 1-0 after extra-time in the final thanks to a goal from Roberto Firmino.
Scholes added a Club World Cup winners’ medal to his trophy cabinet back in 2008 while been part of an all-star United team at the peak of its powers under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The ex-England international recalled the experience during an interview with BBC Radio Five Live, and couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Liverpool for their celebrations after picking up the silverware in Qatar.
“Well you want to win it once you’re there but I don’t think it was ever something that we were desperate to win,” Scholes said.
“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. I’m not joking, I’m serious! But you know what, it’s like anything else, it might take more importance over the years.
“It looks like Liverpool have enjoyed it, they’ve 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.”
Scholes was then asked which meant more to him – Club World Cup glory or winning a trophy at his local badminton club – to which he responded: “My badminton trophy!”
