Ruud: I never pestered Fergie for Man Utd exit

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has slammed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson over the way he handled the Dutchman's departure from Old Trafford.
 
Fergie claimed van Nistelrooy had asked for a transfer three times during his five-year spell at United and that he had to sell the prolific marksman because he felt he was no longer committed to the club.

But the Dutch striker, who was sold to Real Madrid for £11 million last summer, has claimed he only asked to leave at the end of last season when their relationship had broken down.

"I never made any transfer requests before," said van Nistelrooy. "I made one request and the result of that is that I am playing in Madrid now."

"I control my own career. My agent didn't talk to Barcelona in 2003 concerning my future. Every season clubs came in for me but I never wanted to leave. But one thing I learned in football is that you never know what can happen."

"I always gave everything for United. I hope the supporters will remember me like that. My proudest moment is still the day we won the league in 2003."

Van Nistelrooy also told United fanzine Red Issue that he dreams of Real Madrid drawing United in the Champions League and making an emotional return to Old Trafford.

He added: "That would be a big game for me."