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AFTER playing an instrumental role in bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford in a £12.8 mil (RM73.4 mil) transfer from Juventus, Sir Alex Ferguson may well have been toasting his recent success at a dinner with former footballer Patrice Evra and his partner, Dutch model Margaux Alexandra, along with their four-month-old son, Lilas.
It is understood that the former Red Devils manager had phoned Cristiano to implore him not to tarnish his Manchester United legacy by joining local rivals, Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Patrice, who was in Manchester for Saturday’s Soccer Aid 2021 match at Etihad Stadium, had shared his WhatsApp conversation with the Portugal captain in the build-up to United announcing the signing of the football ace.
In his amusing chat with Cristiano, Patrice could not believe the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was re-joining United.
Undeniably, both Patrice and Sir Alex’s efforts helped persuade the Portuguese superstar to return to Old Trafford after 12 years.
Patrice, who spent three-and-a-half trophy-laden seasons alongside Cristiano at United, had won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League with the football club before leaving in 2014.
Both Cristiano and Patrice continue to share a close bond with Sir Alex, who left Old Trafford after the 2012/13 season.
The former France international compared Sir Alex to the Pope in the Instagram caption of his meal: ‘Me: We're going to have lunch with the Pope. Margaux Alexandra: Cool we going to Italy. Me: Nope he live in Manchester.’
Last week, Evra posted another picture of Cristiano and himself with the words: ‘Bro can you stop holding back my excitement, love, respect for you coming back where you belong.’
Cristiano also took to social media to pay tribute to Sir Alex in the wake of his return to United.
At the end of a lengthy post, he wrote: "My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils.
"History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word! I’m right here! I’m back where I belong! Let’s make it happen once again! PS - Sir Alex, this one is for you…’ – Agencies, September 7, 2021