Ruud van Nistelrooy hit out at his former coach at Manchester United Alex Ferguson for dropping the striker from the Carling Cup final last season. "I had previously had a marvelous relationship with him," the 30-year old player told the Sun. But Ferguson chose to field Louis Saha instead of the prolific Dutchman in United's 4-0 win over Wigan, a move that catalyzed the striker's departure. "In February we played the Carling cup final against Wigan and I remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes. To me this felt like a stab in the back." In July, Van Nistelrooy joined Real Madrid for 10.5 million pounds after scoring 150 goals in five seasons at Old Trafford. What had started as a highly advantageous relationship for the Dutch international and the English team soured this past season, with van Nistelrooy claiming Ferguson treated him poorly and made it difficult for him to remain at the club.
Ferguson "The first three-quarters of last season went well for me, but the final part is best forgotten," he said. "My situation with Sir Alex started to change and it became difficult for me and him to work together." Despite Van Nistelrooy's negative departure, he says he is pleased with his transfer and has found a new home at the Spanish club. "I feel like I have been here for 20 years and moving here is the best thing that has happened in my life," he said. "Being at Madrid is fantastic. The people are wonderful and that is a massive thing for me. I've had a great first impression of Real Madrid. "You only get one opportunity in life to come to Real Madrid and I will retire here," Van Nistelrooy added.
