Paul Scholes' decision over an England return may have been different had Fabio Capello called him.
Midfielder hints he would have preferred to have been called by Capello
Paul Scholes has intimated his decision over a return to the England fold may have been different had Fabio Capello contacted him personally.
Capello instructed right-hand man Franco Baldini to make a late attempt to persuade the Manchester United playmaker to come out of international retirement for the 2010 World Cup.
But Scholes, who last represented his nation in 2004, turned down the opportunity, before witnessing the Three Lions endure a torrid campaign in South Africa.
The 35-year-old has previously conceded that he felt he had a lack of time to make such a big decision, and now he has hinted that he would have preferred the England boss to contact him directly.
Asked if two hours was little time to make a major decision, he said: "That's what I thought.
Wrong decision
"That's why I probably said no, not just because he had given me a couple of hours to think about it but the fact I needed a bit more time.
"I am not saying it definitely would have been (yes) in that case but I think it might have been. I did not expect it (the call). It wasn't even on my mind.
"It wasn't until a week before the tournament you start seeing all the build up and thought maybe I made the wrong decision.
"I am not saying I would have made a difference. I am just saying it was a chance to play in the World Cup and I turned it down. I don't look back and think it didn't go well for England because I didn't go.
"Would I have joined up if Capello had called me?
"I don't know. Maybe it might have meant more."
