Cristiano Ronaldo may never return to the Old Trafford to play with Manchester United again, but that does not mean that there were not major attempts to bring the superstar back into the fold.
United player Rio Ferdinand revealed that he practically begged Ronaldo to return to the place where he rose to fame.
"What do you think? He was one of the most dialed people on my phone at the time!" said Ferdinand, according to The Mirror. "But I think the opportunity has gone now. If we could have done it, I think it would have been last summer. He's signed a new deal at Real now.
"As footballers you don't really let on too much to each other. It's like a chess game. And in those situations you have got your one and two first-choice moves or scenarios that you want to happen. So to let people know is sort of letting the cat out of the bag. You play your cards close to your chest.
"But if he was going to leave Real Madrid, I think Manchester United would have been the place he would have come to. That's my personal view, but no-one will ever know now."
Ronaldo's rumor was a major story this summer as the media speculated about the superstar's future with Real Madrid. The impending arrival of Gareth Bale stirred the controversy pot a bit, but the stories seemingly died away the moment Ronaldo signed a major extension with Madrid to become the highest paid player in the world.
While Ronaldo has turned into the Ballon d'Or front-runner during the start of 2013-14, United has sputtered and faltered under new coach David Moyes. The team has been eliminated from the FA Cup, lost the first leg of the Capital One Cup semifinals, and is not likely to repeat its title from last year.
How different would things be if Ronaldo had listened to Ferdinand and forced his way back to the Old Trafford? Probably a lot better for United.
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