MADRID - Dutch soccer striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has said the breakdown of his relationship with manager Alex Ferguson was the reason for him seeking out a move to Real Madrid from Manchester United.
"My relationship with Ferguson had ended which was very painful. He did a lot for me,
waiting for me while I was injured then giving me the chance to play and giving me confidence," Van Nistelrooy told a news conference at the Bernabeu today.
"But what happened, happened. A good relationship ended. It was very disappointing for me."
The 30-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Primera Liga club after passing a medical. No fee was officially disclosed.
Signing Van Nistelrooy for United from PSV Eindhoven had been a personal quest for Ferguson who pressed ahead with the move even after the striker failed a medical in April 2000.
The Dutchman then sustained a serious cruciate ligament injury while training with PSV a few days later but United stood by him and he eventually joined in 2001.
He went on to score 150 goals for the club but fell out of favour at United last season as Ferguson increasingly selected Frenchman Louis Saha to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.
The final straw came, Van Nistelrooy said, with his omission from the team for the League Cup final.
The striker, who scored 20 goals or more in four of his five seasons at Old Trafford, put in a transfer request two weeks ago and Real have beaten Bayern Munich to secure his services.
"I finally decided my time was over after the (League) Cup final," he said.
"That was when I became unhappy. It had nothing to do with the club or the fans. It was the relationship with the manager that broke. I thought it was best to leave.
"I had an incredible five years in Manchester and I will always remember my time there and the unconditional support from the fans."
Van Nistelrooy said he did not bear a grudge with Ferguson over the situation.
"I never got to say goodbye to Ferguson but there is plenty of time for that. I owe him a lot and that is why it was so painful."
Looking ahead Van Nistelrooy said he was excited about linking up with former team mate David Beckham.
"It will be great to be reunited with him. I had two years with him at United before he left and I missed him as a person and a player," he said.
"I am keen to come here and to show my qualities."
Van Nistelrooy is Real's third signing under their new president following Italy's World Cup-winning captain and defender Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson.
The Dutchman now faces the challenge of competing with Raul, Robinho, Julio Baptista, Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo for a place in the Real attack.
- REUTERS
MADRID - Dutch soccer striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has said the breakdown of his relationship with manager Alex Ferguson was the reason for him seeking out a move to Real Madrid from Manchester United.
"My relationship with Ferguson had ended which was very painful. He did a lot for me,
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