Manchester United have signed former player Cristiano Ronaldo in a move that epitomises just how unbelievable this summer’s transfer window has been.
Just 24hrs ago it appeared that the Portuguese forward would be lining up for Manchester City this season, turning his back on the United fanbase who have worshipped Ronaldo ever since he left the club.
However, on Friday, Pep Guardiola’s side pulled out of negotiations with Ronaldo, leaving the door open for former teammate and now United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to swoop in and offer Ronaldo a return to Old Trafford.
But Solskjaer wasn’t the only ex-teammate that has been in contact with the 36-year-old to persuade him to end his career in Manchester.
Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he has been calling Ronaldo to persuade him not to move to bitter rivals City and instead finish his career at the club that he left in 2009.
Speaking on the Five Podcast, Ferdinand said: “It's a beautiful day man, and when it's a beautiful day you've got to wear shades [laughs].
"Sir Alex Ferguson would have been exactly the same, he would have hated to see Cristiano in a Man City shirt, just like any other person that's been connected for a long period of time at this football club.”
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The 42-year-old, who spent 12 years at United, continued: "I rang him straight away, what's going on? Tell me you're lying.
"Every type of 'no, no, no' in the conversation. I'm like all the fans, I'm exactly the same and we are all the same like that. Please tell me you're not going there.
"I hope there's an announcement at some point and it's the one that I would be happy with, I hope.”
Ferdinand played alongside Ronaldo for the entire time the forward was at United, they won three Premier League titles together, the Champions League once, the FA Cup once and the Football League Cup three times.
Ferdinand said: “It's the best, we've seen some great signings this summer. Hopefully, we're sitting here waiting for something to unravel at some point before the transfer deadline window closes and hopefully Man United get what they are looking for.
"Transfer deadline day is just hype, it's just hype and I love to be part of the hype!"
Before Friday’s announcement that the deal was confirmed, United looked like they had already had a successful transfer window that would put them in contention to win the league and also be competitive on the European stage.
After months of rumours, they finally signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in July for £73m, acquiring the Englishman’s services for the next five years in a transfer that will strengthen them now and in the future.
Solskjaer also bought in a much-needed centre back partner for captain Harry Maguire in the shape of ex-Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane for £41m. The France international spent nine years playing with CR7 at the Santiago Bernabeu and the pair won numerous trophies together.
