Former Manchester United striker Kiko Macheda has landed a deal with Serie B Novara.

The 25 year-old has been without a club since leaving Cardiff City at the end of last season. He had trials with Watford before returning to Italy in search for a new club.

Macheda has signed a 12-month deal with Novara.

And he revealed a recent pep-talk from Sir Alex Ferguson lifted his spirits.

He posted to Facebook: “Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person and has taught me so much.

“He called me three weeks ago to see how I was and how my career is going.

“He coached the greatest players in history, and the fact that he thinks about me makes me proud."