Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand believes it is inevitable that they will face Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo in this season’s Champions League. Prior to this weekend’s city derby against Manchester City the former West Ham and Leeds United star gave a forthright interview with Sport Magazine, claiming he is still in contact with the current World and European player of the year, admitting the club will not replace him, but others can step into the breach. He also jokingly suggested his friend would receive a kick during the game should they meet.

Ferdinand told Sport Magazine: “Ronaldo is a different entity.”

“I think he’s the best player in the world, so we were never going to replace Ronaldo with another Ronaldo, in the same way we were never going to replace Roy Keane with another Roy Keane. As a team we move on.”

“That’s what signifies this club as a great club – big players come and go, but the club remains successful.”

“Roy Keane left, Seb Veron left, Beckham left, van Nistelrooy left, Roy Keane left. And all of these people say: ‘Oh, that’s the end of an era.’ We just go and prove them wrong.”

Although he acknowledged Ronaldo’s absence would of course be felt, be backed others to step up.

He continued: “Ronaldo was well respected and appreciated by his fellow teammates, and this season there is a big hole in terms of goals to score.”

“There is a gap for us all to fill.”

Ferdinand confirmed he is still in contact with Ronaldo, suggesting the Portuguese international is enjoying his time in the Spanish capital.

Ferdinand said: “I’ve been speaking to him a bit on the phone and with text messages. He’s got good English, so it’s easy.”

“Ronaldo is a good friend. He’s enjoying it, he’s doing well, so good luck to him.”

“I think it’s in the stars that it will happen – I can see us playing Real Madrid this year. Football is funny like that.”

“As a player you want to play against the best players, and he is the best.”

“He will get a hello and a shake of the hand from me before the game, but then after that if he needs to be kicked, he will be kicked.” (Smiles)

Author: Ben Moss