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London - Newly crowned Ballon d'Or-winner Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was pestered to rejoin Manchester United last year by former team-mate Rio Ferdinand.
Ronaldo scored 117 goals for United between 2003 and 2009 before leaving for Real Madrid and he suggested that he had contemplated returning to Old Trafford last year.
"It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot," the 28-year-old told reporters following the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich, in comments published by several British national newspapers on Tuesday.
"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. I did think about United. 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."
Ronaldo scored in each leg as Madrid knocked United out of last season's Champions League in the last 16, but he pointedly declined to celebrate on each occasion.
Ferdinand corroborated Ronaldo's story, writing on his Facebook page that he "tried and failed to twist his ear".
"Cristiano is living proof that no matter how much talent you have as a youngster, you have to work hard in order to be successful," Ferdinand wrote.
"I'm still truly astonished by the drive and determination to stay at the top, by not only Ronaldo, but (Lionel) Messi too. It's been a joy to witness these two push each other week in week out."
In a nod to a chant still aired by United fans at Old Trafford, the former England defender added: "Viva Ronaldo. P.S - I tried and failed to twist his ear."
