Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels Paul Scholes has extended his career by retiring from international football.
It's one of the reasons Scholes is still able to operate at the highest level is due to the breaks he gets during international weeks.
"He had the eye and knee injuries a few years back and he missed half seasons, but he is fit now and is training every day," said Ferguson.
"That makes a difference when you get into your 30s because your fitness levels are kept at the same level all the time."
Scholes, who scored his 150th United goal against Fulham last weekend, can hardly be expected to maintain the present levels throughout an entire season.
Indeed, had Ferguson been asked a decade ago whether Scholes would still be lording it over the Premier League right now, the answer would probably have been no.
But Scholes is benefiting from a career when he has stuck to doing the right things, meaning his body can still cope with the stresses and strains of a club like Manchester United.
"His lifestyle was absolutely perfect as far as a manager is concerned," said Ferguson.
"If you look after yourself, it is possible to have a long career in the game.
"Ten or 15 years ago I would never have believed he could still be playing considering he plays in the most intense area of the pitch.
"The intensity of our games is different. I am not overstating it to say that every game Manchester United play is a cup final."
