The Cristiano Ronaldo saga is one that is undoubtedly going to rumble on throughout the entire summer. Or until Real Madrid decide they'll pay whatever fine the Spanish authorities level him with. And another twist in the tale has developed, and it involves Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson was of course the man who brought Ronaldo to Manchester United in the summer of 2003, nurturing him from being a show pony into a world beating thoroughbred over the course of six trophy laden years.
The two developed a father-son relationship during the Portugal captain's time in Manchester and have remained close ever since.
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Credit: BT Sport
So it should come as no surprise to hear about reports that claim Ronaldo informed Ferguson of his desire to leave the Bernabeu, six weeks ago.
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The pair had attended a function together when Ronaldo confided to his former manager that he was unsettled in the Spanish capital, despite the success he's achieved since moving there in a then world record £80 million deal, eight years ago.
Ronaldo apparently told the legendary United boss that he was frustrated with how Real's fans would sometimes boo him, even though he is the club's all time leading goal scorer and has helped Zinedine Zidane's men lift back-to-back Champions League titles as well as relinquishing the La Liga title from Barcelona's grip.
Ronaldo became the greatest player in the world under Ferguson. Image: PA
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Two weeks ago the 32-year-old would meet up with Ferguson again, this time after his brace against Juventus in a 4-1 victory inspired Los Blancos to their twelfth Champions League/European Cup success and third in the last four years.
The Scotsman, as is customary, warmly greeted the four time Ballon d'Or winner, who still refers to his ex-manager as boss, even after eight years away from Old Trafford.
The pair had an inseperable bond during their time together at Old Trafford. A bond which remains to this day. Image: PA
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Ferguson has made no secret that he would love to see Ronaldo back at Old Trafford and should the move actually prove to be a viable option this time around, it would be interesting to see if Jose Mourinho would sanction it, and whether he would ask the ex-United boss to help mediate the deal between the two clubs.
A fee north of £130 million is believed to be what Real would demand for the Portuguese forward, who only recently signed a new contract at the Bernabeu, worth a reported £350,000-per-week.
Paris Saint-Germain have also said they would match any asking price Real set for Ronaldo, so United would face some stiff competition if they were to try to bring their hero back home.
(H/T The Mirror)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid