Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to end his feud with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Van Nistelrooy, who is recovering from a major knee operation, told the Sunday Mirror: "I'm so looking forward to see him again. I want to talk and make up, clear the air between us.

"After all this time I can't believe or understand what it was really all about. Why did it have to be such a big thing?

"I think we were both to blame. It just exploded between us.

"Because we had such a smashing relationship, I just thought, 'What on earth are you doing to me?'

"I was so upset. As a professional player you never get so attached to your club or manager that a clash will hurt you that much.

"But in this case it did. It got very personal."