Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano has taken a swipe at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson claimed earlier this week that Madrid had only signed Gabriel Heinze from the Red Devils in 2007 as a means of luring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Ferguson also referred to them as General Franco's club and Di Stefano, who played for the Spanish giants during the time of the dictator's rule - which coincided with one of Madrid's most successful period - has hit back at his comments.

"Ferguson, what is he going to say?" said the 82-year-old who is president of honour at the club. "We went for everything in Europe and at that moment the Franco government ruled.

"And what were we meant to do? Throw the games away? We had to win."

Stefano helped Madrid to an astonishing 19 trophies during his 11-year stay at the capital club, including five European Cups in a row.