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Former Real president: Sir Alex Ferguson influential in recruiting Ronaldo

Former Real president: Sir Alex Ferguson influential in recruiting Ronaldo

Manchester United could leverage Sir Alex Ferguson in their quest to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back.

The Portuguese star told his international team-mates that he wanted out of Real Madrid, likely because of the 14.7 million he’s accused of not paying to the Spanish tax authorities.

​Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes that SAF’s relationship with the attacker could make all the difference, and that it would supersede any tensions that Ronaldo had with Jose Mourinho.

​Calderon , who originally signed Ronaldo from United in 2008 for € 94 million, believed that the Scottish legend still has a major role to play in the deal.

"He delayed his move to Madrid for a year because Ferguson was like a father to him," Calderon told BBC Radio 5 Live (via the Mirror).

"He loved the club, the fans, the city and I don't rule out a move back.

"Very few clubs can meet his expectations. Not because they can't pay the money but because they need to offer him the possibility of winning titles and personal awards," the former Real president, whose tenure (2006-2009) was sandwiched by Florentino’s two terms, added. 

​Calderon also believes that Jose Mourinho’s presence shouldn’t matter too much. The two didn’t get on in the Special One’s last season in charge at the Santiago Bernbabeu.

"The relationship in Madrid wasn't the best but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to go back to Manchester where he is very grateful of what happened,” Calderon concluded.