Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, confirms the Red Devils tried to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in summer and says his former teammate deserves the Ballon d’Or this year.

Ferdinand told the Daily Mirror, that he was part of a campaign to bring the Portuguese superstar back to Old Trafford, but the dream of many United fans won’t come reality in the near future after Ronaldo signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

“He was one of the most dialed people on my phone at the time, but I think the opportunity has gone now,” said Ferdinand.

“If we could have done it, I think it would have been last summer. He’s signed a new deal at Real now.

“If he was going to leave Real Madrid, I think Manchester United would have been the place he would have come to. That’s my personal view, but no-one will ever know now.”

Ferdinand is backing Ronaldo - over Messi and Ribery - to win the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or and says it’s Cristiano's will to prove his doubters wrong which strives him to become the best player in the world.

“We had a debate about it in training, and I think he has been the best in the calendar year, definitely, he’s the best,” added Ferdinand.

“Look at his goals. He’s scored more goals than some clubs have in the calendar year.

“He is a great model to any young player to look up to. He got to being World Player of the Year back in 2008 and he wasn’t satisfied.

“Ronaldo has gone on again to another level and he should have won it a couple of seasons ago when Real Madrid won La Liga.

“He wants to become the best player in the world again. He’s still got people doubting him - maybe there’s a jealousy element to it - and he wants to prove them people wrong. That’s how you become the best.”

Will Ronaldo claim the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or? Have your say in the comment section below.