Rio Ferdinand admits the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer circus has overshadowed what should have been a summer spent basking in the glory of Manchester United's double-winning season.
Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson appeared to put an end to the protracted affair this week when he insisted the 23-year-old winger will stay at Old Trafford, after weeks of doubt over whether he would get his dream move to Real Madrid.
Ferdinand, captain in Gary Neville's absence last season, is disappointed that the gloss has been taken off United's captures of the Barclays Premier League and Champions League titles.
But he insists Ronaldo will be welcomed back into the dressing room when he recovers from recent ankle surgery.
‘This summer, given the season we've just had, should have been a time to think about our achievements,’ Ferdinand said.
‘In the end that became impossible because of the stuff going on with Cristiano.’
He added: ‘The players can't wait to see him back.
‘Cristiano is a great guy. He never has any problems with anyone in the squad and I'm sure that will be the same when he comes back through the door.’
