“He treated me like Cristiano Ronaldo” – Ex Man Utd player reveals special rapport with Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United academy product Giuseppe Rossi still has fond memories of his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 38-year-old’s once-promising career is drawing to an end. After a never-ending bout with injuries and fitness problems, the striker has now called it a day, and his testimonial will take place in Florence on March 22nd.

Interestingly, Ferguson has agreed to take part in the contest. The 83-year-old will be present in the dugout to manage one of the two teams in this friendly encounter.

Rossi was delighted to announce the Scotsman’s presence while recalling how he gave him similar treatment to Cristiano Ronaldo despite the massive difference in the two players’ contributions at the club.

“Ferguson will be there as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17,” said Rossi via GBNews.

“I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is. I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1000 goals.”

Giuseppe Rossi thrilled to have Sir Alex Ferguson at his testimonial

The testimonial match which will be held at the Artemio Franchi Stadium will feature a host of legends on the pitch, but Ferguson’s presence on the sidelines threatens to steal the limelight.

The iconic Man Utd manager retired in 2013 following a stellar 26-year stint at Old Trafford that saw the club win almost every possible honour, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.

As for Rossi, he only made 14 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring four goals in the process. He was then sold to Villarreal in 2007, and quickly cemented himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Spain. The former Italy international also enjoyed a memorable spell at Fiorentina, but recurring injuries plagued his career. He was last seen on the pitch with Serie B side SPAL but left the club in July 2023.