Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Heinze: Fans won't forget

24 Aug 2007 - 09:32:38

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Gabriel Heinze claims Manchester United fans will bear no grudge towards him following his surprise move to Real Madrid.

Heinze, who made 83 appearances for the Red Devils, made it clear he wanted to leave United after losing his starting place last season and first attempted to force through a move to their bitter rivals Liverpool.

However, after seeing the move blocked by a Premier League arbitration panel, the Argentine defender joined the Spanish champions on a three-year contract on Thursday.

But, despite attempting to leave United for their fierce rivals, the former Paris Saint Germain defender believes he left Old Trafford with his head held high.

"I did what I felt was necessary and the Manchester fans aren't stupid so they won't forget what I did for the club," said Heinze after being unveiled as a Real player.

"I left as league champion and, as for the manager's reaction, you will have to ask (Sir Alex) Ferguson if he is upset by what I've done.

"I never thought this would be where I would end up, but I'm very happy."

Meanwhile, Heinze has revealed he hopes to follow in the footsteps of legendary Real left-back Roberto Carlos, but is unsure whether he is fit to make his debut against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.

"It is impossible to forget what Roberto Carlos did at Real Madrid and I'm not here to do that. I'm here to do my job and give everything I can to this club," he said.

"Two weeks ago I came back from holiday but because of personal problems I didn't train with Manchester United and so I can't tell you what sort of condition I was in.

"I'll know after training tonight if I'm in the right sort of shape."