Gary Lineker has revealed that Manchester United's blockbuster deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club was completed in his back garden.
The Match of the Day presenter and former England striker is close friends with Ed Woodward, with the two living next to each other.
Bizarrely, Lineker has stated that Woodward was able to wrap up the deal whilst he was in his garden.
On the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast, Lineker said: "I'll put my cards on the table - Ed Woodward is a good friend of mine and lives next door.
"He signed Cristiano Ronaldo when he was in my garden!
"When he walked in he was on the phone to Jorge Mendes (Ronaldo's agent) - I hope I'm not giving too much away!
"I have a fantastic picture of him sat on the phone to him which I might share one day with his permission."
Manchester United would confirm his signing on August 31, on a two-year contract, with the option of an additional year.
The 36-year-old has settled in to life exactly how fans would have hoped back in Manchester, scoring five goals in his first seven games.
On the podcast, Alan Shearer said: "Man United have not been challenging over the last few years - they're viewed differently now with Ronaldo and rightly so. They are ready to challenge."
He added: "Signing him was a no-brainer for Man Utd - they cannot lose in this situation.
"They sold Dan James for £25 million and brought Ronaldo in for the same price."
