Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he considered a return to Old Trafford this summer, but ultimately decided to remain in Spain.
Ronaldo was named Ballon d’Or winner for the second time in his career yesterday, staving off competition from Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to win the award.
Last week Rio Ferdinand claimed he had tried his hardest to convince Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford over the summer but to no avail and speaking in Zurich after collecting the award, the Portuguese star confirmed Ferdinand’s claim.
The 28 year old is quoted as saying:
“It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot. Rio is a great friend of mine, we played many years together at Manchester United and we were neighbours when I was there in Manchester.
“He’s a fantastic guy and tried to change my mind. I did think about United. They are still in my heart. It’s a club where I played for six years and I love that club. I have a lot of friends there and I wish them the best.”
Ronaldo’s 6 year spell with United saw him propelled to legendary status winning his first Ballon d’Or as well as the Champions League and 3 Premier League titles.
United had been heavily linked with a move for Ronaldo but he signed a new big money deal with Real after the signing of Gareth Bale to remain the Spanish giant’s highest paid player and to carry on his amazing record of 230 goals in just 223 games.
