Images via Reuters
Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has never been afraid to speak his mind on all things football, and he didn't miss the opportunity to give his honest opinion on ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Blatter caused plenty of controversy during his time as the leader of world football's governing body. His 17-year spell as FIFA president was shrouded in corruption claims.
He stepped down in 2015 while he was being investigated by the US authorities in a corruption scandal. Blatter, along with Michel Platini, was later charged with fraud, mismanagement, misappropriation of FIFA funds and forgery of a document.
Sir Alex Ferguson Made His Feelings Very Clear
Sir Alex Ferguson via Reuters: Action Images / Carl Recine
In 2008, seven full years before Blatter's demise, he managed to get on the wrong side of the best manager in the world. Ferguson was 22 years into his incredible tenure at Old Trafford, and his words certainly carried a lot of weight in world football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd's star player at the time, was pushing for a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Portuguese forward was desperate to leave, and Blatter backed his right to pursue the move.
Blatter controversially suggested there was 'too much modern slavery' in football at the time, as United held firm in their desire to keep Ronaldo, who actually publicly agreed with those comments.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Gianni Infantino
Sir Alex Ferguson and Gianni Infantino
Ronaldo said: "It's true. I agree with what the president of FIFA said. I know what I want and what I would like. We have to see what happens. I do not know where I will begin next season."
However, Ferguson didn't agree. In fact, he was furious and responded by claiming Blatter was 'too old' to be in his role at the head of FIFA. "I think Sepp Blatter is in danger…or has reached a point now where he is being mocked within the game," the Scot said in a GQ interview (via WorldSoccer).
Sepp Blatter and NFF President Lise Klaveness
Sepp Blatter and NFF President Lise Klaveness
He had to clarify he wasn't comparing Blatter to dictators like Robert Mugabe, but did maintain his opinion that the president's words were 'ridiculous'.
Ferguson continued: "That would be ridiculous. All I’m saying is that, from a position of great power, he has uttered so many ridiculous statements that he is in danger of seriously damaging his credibility.
"So when he came out with that stuff, it created a furore and rightly so, the year after the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery."
Action Images / Carl Recine
While Ronaldo agreed with Blatter when trying to get his Real Madrid move, he was left unimpressed with the FIFA boss over comments made five years later. Speaking at the Oxford Union in 2013, Blatter claimed to 'prefer Lionel Messi', Ronaldo's long-term rival.
He went into more detail about why he liked Messi, including his personality, while joking Ronaldo had 'more expenses for the hairdresser'. The Portuguese icon didn't take too kindly to that, posting on X: