SIR ALEX FERGUSON has confirmed the instrumental role he played in convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Manchester City for a return to Old Trafford.
The former Red Devils manager was reported to have personally called the Portuguese great in a bid to convince him to return to Manchester United after 12 years away.
Ronaldo had been contemplating a move to United’s cross-town rivals at the Etihad before the intervention by his old boss.
A host of former team-mates and executives are also understood to have made direct pleas to the forward as he pondered a move from previous employers Juventus.
But it was Fergie’s message to the 36-year-old that appears to have been the deciding factor in his move back to United.
Speaking ahead of Ronaldo’s triumphant return against Newcastle, Ferguson told Viaplay: “I’m excited like everyone else, there was anticipation all day yesterday and waking up in the morning.
“I speak for all supporters, it’s a great day for Manchester United.
“A lot of people played their part [in bringing Ronaldo back] and I contributed knowing that really Cristiano wanted to come here and that was important. It worked very well.
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“I wouldn’t say it’s emotional but it’s exciting for me and a relief because I couldn’t imagine him playing for Man City, I don’t think anyone could.
“That’s why we took steps to make sure he came here and the club then followed in very well and I spoke to the Glazers and it was done.”
Ronaldo enjoyed a stunning return to Old Trafford and the fans he left back in 2009 for Real Madrid and a then-world record fee.
The Portuguese was given the nod to start against the Magpies by manager and former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and repaid the faith with two goals.
Jesse Lingard and Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes were also on the scoresheet as United ran out easy 4-1 winners.
And Ferguson backed the senior Ronaldo to mentor United crop of exciting youngsters.
“I think he will make an impact on the young players in particular, he’s got the experience to handle the occasion,” he said.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
