Ruud van Nistelrooy bears no no ill feeling towards Sir Alex Ferguson following his summer departure to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old Dutchman was reported to have said he felt "betrayed" following his hasty exit from Old Trafford, where he spent five years scoring for fun and writing himself into United's history books. But, the £10.3million signing for Real is adamant he holds no grudge.
"United was a fantastic time in my life, not only football but we met some wonderful people," he told The Times. "I turned down the opportunity twice to come here (Real Madrid) during my United days, but this time I could not say no.
"The history of the club is similar to United. You play at Old Trafford for the first time wearing a United shirt and it is unbelievable. Now I have the same feeling with Madrid."
Van Nistelrooy was left out of United's squad to face Charlton on the final day of the 2005/06 season. He ackowledged that there was a disagreement with the United boss, but it was not so much an issue to have sullied the memory of his time in Manchester.
"I owe him a lot and respect him a lot," van Nistelrooy added. "What happened wasn't so big not to talk to him. I said my thing and we just have to move on. Many great players have left United and other clubs.
"You move to another stage in your career but the memories remain from five fantastic years."
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=369978
