FORMER Manchester United star Giuseppe Rossi has lifted the lid on Sir Alex Ferguson’s humble man-management style.
Rossi will reunite with his old boss at the ex-striker’s farewell match in Italy next month.
Former Italy international Rossi has organised a game dubbed ‘Pepito Day’ to honour his retirement next month.
And Ferguson, 83, will allegedly return to the dugout for the ceremonial one-off match in Florence on March 22.
Rossi revealed that Ferguson showed his eternal class by immediately agreeing to help out.
The 38-year-old said: “I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
“Ferguson will be there (at his farewell match) as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17.
“I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.”
Ferguson has a paternal relationship with Ronaldo, which blossomed after bringing him to the club in 2003.
The five-time Ballon d’Or star previously said: “Sir Alex is like a father in football for me.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“He was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, he’s an unbelievable person.”
Rossi made only 14 appearances for United, with four goals before moving on to Villarreal.
The striker would have successful stints in Spain and Italy, for the likes of Fiorentina before moving to MLS with Real Salt Lake.
Rossi – who was born in New Jersey but raised in Italy – left America for SPAL in Italy before announcing his football retirement in 2023.
His main dilemma was breaking up the prolific partnership between Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney at the time.
Rossi – who joined United’s youth system from Parma – said Ferguson’s close relationships with players made him “unique” as a manager.
He told LaLiga: “He was very unique in the way that he is able to protect his players off the field, he treats you as if you’re his own kid.
“He protects you. He is someone that really cares for his players. It was a pleasure for me. It’s hard to compare Sir Alex to anyone.”
The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano, Sebastien Frey, Borja Valero and Gabriel Omar Batistuta will be among the former players taking part.
Meanwhile, Ferguson recently got together with United cult hero Nani while on holiday in Portugal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
