Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced that he’s retired from playing professional football.

The 36-year old, who made 677 appearances for the Red Devils scoring 150 goals, will join the coaching staff at Old Trafford.

The former England international told United’s official website: “I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour. This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege.

“I would like to thank the fans for their tremendous support throughout my career, I would also like to thank all the coaches and players that I have worked with over the years, but most of all I would like to thank Sir Alex [Ferguson] for being such a great manager, from the day I joined the club his door has always been open and I know this team will go on to win many more trophies under his leadership.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: “What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven’t said before. We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season. Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new [coaching] role.”

Following Chelsea’s 1-0 loss at Everton yesterday, the London club announced that they had sacked manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea said in a statement on their official website: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti parted company with the club today (Sunday, 22 May).

“The owner and board would like to thank Carlo for his contribution and achievements since taking over as manager in July 2009, which included winning the Double for the first time in the club’s history.

“However, this season’s performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season’s preparations.

“Carlo will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, where he will be given the reception and respect his position in our history deserves.

“Chelsea’s long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and we will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager.

“There will be no further comment until that appointment is made.”

England international Owen Hargreaves is set to leave Manchester United this summer when his contract expires.

The 30-year old, who joined the Premier League club from Bayern Munich for £17m in 2007, has made just 39 appearances in a United shirt.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “This has been a difficult decision knowing how hard the lad has worked to win back his fitness.

“But we have made it in the hope he will be able to resurrect his career elsewhere.”

Boudewijn Zenden has revealed that he’s set to leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer.

The 34-year-old midfielder told BBC Newcastle: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here in the north east, and there is loads to look back on in a positive way.

“For example, leading the team out at Old Trafford as the captain, the way the derbies went and then the fans sticking with us, and at the weekend seeing 42,000 people in the stadium.

“Those are the sort of things that will stick with me, I’ve always been well received by the fans and I appreciate that.”

On his lack of first-team football, he said: “I’m hard to say it’s a regret, but if you’re only on the field for 10 minutes it’s difficult to score an important goal.

“At other times I wished I had the opportunity to put more of a marker on the team, but that’s the way it is.”