JAMIE REDKNAPP

I’LL never forget a conversation I had with Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford tunnel after a game in 2004. Manchester United had just beaten Tottenham and as I left the changing room Sir Alex stopped me to ask after my dad Harry. At the end of a brief chat, I said: ‘Your No 7 is a bit special. That’s some player you’ve got.’ He replied: ‘Trust me, in a few years that lad will be the best player in the world.’ That player, of course, was Cristiano Ronaldo. Over the years I enjoyed plenty of battles with Ferguson’s teams. There was the final day in May 1995 when my dad’s West Ham side stopped him winning the title while I was facing champions-elect Blackburn with Liverpool. Sir Alex also sent Southampton down in 2005, ensuring my playing career ended in relegation. But whenever I watch Ronaldo now I am reminded of that afternoon 14 years ago when Sir Alex told me he had unearthed a genius. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to plenty more football conversations with the great man soon.