Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt was a special guest at Old Trafford for Man Utd’s Champions League clash with Villarreal on Wednesday and bumped into Sir Alex Ferguson.
Olympic legend Usain Bolt revealed he thanked Sir Alex Ferguson personally for helping bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford this summer.
Former Jamaican sprinter and a lifelong United fan, Bolt was a special guest at Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Villarreal, where he saw fellow superstar Ronaldo.
Ferguson, who was involved in Ronaldo’s departure from Juventus just one month ago, was also present in the stands.
His former player was present when he met Ferguson ahead of the deadline for the transfer. It has been a great boost for the club.
Ferguson met Bolt at the stadium where the eight-time Olympic gold winner expressed his appreciation.
According to the MEN, Bolt said of Ronaldo: “He helped to build the club and it was wonderful when he was here the energy. So I’m happy he’s back.”
He continued: “I just saw Alex Ferguson inside and I thanked him for bringing Cristiano back, so I’m happy about it.
“I’m happy to be here, I haven’t been back to Old Trafford in a while, so I’m just happy to be here in the stands with everybody to watch the game.”
Ronaldo’s return has so far been a success, with the Portuguese forward grabbing four goals already in his second spell at the club.
Upon re-signing, the 36-year-old ended his message to the club’s fans with a poignant remark: “Sir Alex, this one’s for you.”
Ronaldo also reflected on Ferguson’s huge role in him signing for United in the first place back in 2003.
“I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. Sir Alex Ferguson is my father in football.
“He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because of the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person.
“I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”
Ferguson has also spoken out about his role in the transfer after Ronaldo was linked to rival Manchester City.
“A lot of people played their part (in bringing Ronaldo back) and I contributed knowing that really Cristiano wanted to come here and that was important,” Ferguson told Viaplay.
“It worked very well. I wouldn’t say it’s emotional but it’s exciting for me and relief because I couldn’t imagine him playing for Man City, I don’t think anyone could.
“That’s why we took steps to make sure he came here and the club then followed in very well and I spoke to the Glazers and it was done.”
Ronaldo’s involvement in the clash with Villarreal saw him break the record for the most appearances in the Champions League by a single player – beating former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas’ tally to rack up 178 games.