Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has recalled the occasion when he was left embarrassed during a defeat at Old Trafford.
During what was a stellar career with United, Ferdinand made over 300 appearances for the club.
In 12 years, Ferdinand got his hands on multiple Premier League titles and also the Champions League.
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The former centre-back will forever be remembered as one of England’s finest defenders.
Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand recently recalled United's famous 4-3 win over Real Madrid in 2003 at Old Trafford, in which Ronaldo Nazario scored a hattrick.
As Ronaldo was brought off, the Old Trafford crowd gave him a standing ovation, which left Ferdinand embarrassed.
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He said: “A pleasure to be on the same pitch as the great man. But he’s getting a standing ovation, look.
“The opposing striker is getting a standing ovation at our own ground. Unheard of. Nah, I was embarrassed, man. I was so embarrassed.
“It’s [Ronaldo's first] not a great goal. It ain’t. I don’t care. Zidane plays into Guti. What a run from Ronaldo. He’s running across there, he shoots an angle, he knows he can’t get away from me there. He knows he’s got to take it early.”
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Ferdinand continued: “Barthez, he can only go in the near post. I’ve got him where I want him, going away from goal. He can only go near post… Fabien? Fabien, man! (Calls to someone off-camera for comic effect.) Have you got Fabien’s number? Can we get it? We need to go back over this.
“Let’s dissect this goal [the second]. He’s in the six-yard box. There’s no defender within touching distance. But I could have stopped it at the source. My fault, man. I take that. It was me. I take that.
“We’re dropping off [for the third]. I’ve got to get up. I’ve got to squeeze the play a bit. But… Fabien, what are you doing?!”
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Although United won 4-3 on the night, they were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 3-1 in the first leg against Madrid.
Topics: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Ronaldo Nazario, Rio Ferdinand, Football
Marcus Chan