After collecting the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he was tempted by a possible move back to former club, Manchester United, in the summer.
The two time Ballon d'Or winner stated that Rio Ferdinand attempted to persuade him to rejoin the Manchester outfit:
"It is true that Rio Ferdinand tried to get me to go back to United. He spoke to me a lot. He [Rio Ferdinand] is a friend, we played together and I also lived next to him when I was there."
"He tried to change my mind and get me to go back to Manchester United."
"I did think about United, as they are still close to my heart."
"I played there for six years and I love the club."
Ronaldo plied his trade at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, scoring an impressive 118 goals in 292 appearances. His most successful season at the club was 2007-2008 when he fired the Red Devils to the Champions League and Premier League double, with 42 goals. He collected his first Ballon d'Or in that same year, as well as the PFA Player of the Year trophy.
The 28 year old forward left the club in 2009 for a then world record fee of £80 million. Since arriving at Real Madrid, Ronaldo's goal scoring prowess has become even more prominent, as he has scored over 200 goals, 69 of those coming in 2013 alone
