Man United transfers: Cristiano Ronaldo pondered Old Trafford return

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that Rio Ferdinand tried to persuade him to return to Manchester United before the forward extended his contract at Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old, who won the 2013 Ballon d’Or on Monday night ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery, was linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford over the summer but eventually penned a new deal with Los Blancos in September.

They are still in my heart. It’s a club where I played for six years and I love that club

Cristiano Ronaldo

And the Portugual international conceded that he gave some serious thought to the possibility of moving back to United before committing his future to the Spanish giants.

“I did think about United,” said Ronaldo. “They are still in my heart. It’s a club where I played for six years and I love that club. I have a lot of friends there and I wish them the best.

“It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot. Rio is a great friend of mine, we played many years together at Manchester United and we were neighbours when I was there in Manchester. He’s a fantastic guy and tried to change my mind.”

After scooping the second Ballon d’Or of his career, Ronaldo set his sights on achieving more success with club and country.

I’m going to try to do my best to win trophies with Madrid and my country,” he continued.

“This season is a challenge for me. Last year was amazing. It was very intense. I scored so many goals, 69 for Real Madrid and helped my national team to go through to the World Cup.”