“My wife wanted to kill me because of Cristiano Ronaldo”

Rio Ferdinand has revealed a funny anecdote about a late-night call from Cristiano Ronaldo that nearly angered his ex-wife.

In August 2021, as five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo considered his future after three years at Juventus, the Portuguese forward was at the centre of transfer rumours. A possible return to the Premier League to join Manchester City was the subject of much discussion, but Manchester United ultimately intervened to prevent one of their legends from joining the rivals.

As the transfer was being negotiated, Ronaldo's former United team-mate Ferdinand received a surprise call at 1am. He recounted the conversation on Ronaldo's YouTube channel: “I was in bed, my wife wanted to kill me. It was late, and you called me to discuss your return to United. You seemed so happy. At that moment, everything seemed perfect.”

However, despite a promising start, Ronaldo's time at Manchester United went downhill, culminating in a rift between the player and manager Erik ten Hag, leading to CR7's departure after just 18 months.

Ronaldo, for his part, maintains a positive outlook: “I have nothing to prove. What's done is done. But I wish the best for Manchester United, as I wish for myself. I love this club and I'm not one to forget the past.”