Heinze hits out at Ferguson claim

Gabriel Heinze joined Real Madrid in 2007 after three seasons at United

Gabriel Heinze has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that Real Madrid only signed the Argentine to lure close friend Cristiano Ronaldo to the club.

Real signed the former United player in 2007 and attempted to secure the services of Ronaldo earlier this year.

"This theory of Ferguson about me going to Real in order to persuade Cristiano to come the following summer is a work of absolute fiction," said Heinze.

"I am a very good friend of Ronaldo, but he always decides his own future."

He added: "If he asks me a question about Real then, of course, I will answer, but I'm not a bad influence on him."

Ronaldo claimed he wanted to move to Madrid in the summer, but changed his mind when convinced to stay by the Manchester United manager.

"Ferguson has spoken about me in the last months and I don't understand this. I thought he had forgotten me," said Heinze.

"He's the boss at United and any person who protests about anything is marginalised. This was my problem at times when I was there. Ferguson cannot stop my quotes because I'm not now at United."

Ferguson is the boss at United and any person who protests about anything is marginalised Gabriel Heinze

He added: "I'm actually convinced Cristiano would offer Madrid even bigger performances than he has at United. That is my opinion and it is normal that I have wanted him to come and play with us here in La Liga."

During his three seasons at Old Trafford, Heinze was a favourite with the fans, who voted him the supporters' player of the year in his first season, 2004/05.

But injury limited him to just over 50 appearances for Manchester United, and eventually cost him his place with the arrival of Frenchman Patrice Evra.

And after contract negotiations, as well as his relationship with Ferguson, broke down, Heinze became surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

He angered Ferguson and Manchester United supporters by demanding a transfer to bitter rivals Liverpool, who were keen on the left-back.

But Manchester United refused to sanction the move, allowing Real Madrid to eventually sign the 30-year-old for £6.8m.

On his arrival at the Bernabeu, Heinze annoyed Ferguson further by claiming he "deserved better treatment after his efforts at the club".

Ferguson hit back, claiming Heinze was unfit and blasting his "ridiculous" wage demands.