July 28: Van Nistelrooy Signs with Real

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After signing with Manchester United in 2001, Ruud van Nistelrooy became an immediate success story for the Red Devils. He sparked the offense and scored 150 goals in 201 matches but but his relationship became strained with other players and more importantly Sir Alex Ferguson and it was on this day in soccer history in 2006 that the Dutchman was sold to Real Madrid.

“I exploded and began swearing at Ferguson because I felt he had kicked my soul. That was the moment things died and, after that, things would never be good, they could never be the same again,” van Nistelrooy said of the time.

Van Nistelrooy was a coup when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from PSV Eindhoven in 2001.

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The move was perfect for Van Nistelrooy as he lead La Liga with 25 goals and helped Los Merengues to their first title in four years.

signs with Real Madrid in 2006. Concluding five years at Man Utd. Check out April 23 for link to Man U signing.

Soccer Birthdays

1938 – Luis Aragonés, Spanish football manager
1979 – Henrik Hansen, Danish footballer
1981 – Michael Carrick, English footballer
1988 – Casper Johansen, Danish footballer