Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Real Madrid tried to lure him
out of Manchester United a number of times, and he understands the
Spaniards are doing the same with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Nistelrooy claims he was in a similar situation as Ronaldo
and finally joined Los Merengues in 2006.
As a consequence he thinks that the Portuguese will be recruited
from the Old Trafford outfit next year.
“(When I was at United) I almost signed with Real Madrid several
times,” he told a press conference. “I didn’t say it before because
it was pretty much similar as Cristiano’s situation.
“I did score 80 goals in 100 games and Madrid planned to sign
me, but United said they should wait a bit, and they are now doing
the same with Cristiano.
“As far as I’m concerned I believe we will sign him next year.
He wants to come down here and when a player wants to leave,
keeping him is hard.
“We will be team-mates again. He is a spectacular player at the
age of 23.”
The Manchester United legend commented on Sir Alex Ferguson’s
character, and he said: “He only speaks Scottish. It becomes
difficult when what he expects do not happen.
“He is a nice person, but he can change and send you a boot in
the face. He has been at United for 25 years and rules there."
The striker has revealed he plans to carry on playing football
for three or four more years, as he still feels capable of showing
his best level.
“I am 32, played 15 seasons and I am thinking of retiring at
when I turn 35 or 36. I feel good physically, and that is why I
retired from international football, in order to be able to rest
and be available for Real Madrid.
“This decision was tough to make because my head told me
something and my heart the contrary. I still do not feel tired
regarding my age.
“At Madrid we work with doctors and make many tests, they
control us a lot.”
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/10/17/PremLiga-Van-Nistelrooy-on-career-and-Ronaldo/