Rio Ferdinand insists there will be no love lost for Cristiano Ronaldo if Manchester United meet Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Portugal international spent six successful seasons at Old Trafford before sealing his world record Ј80million transfer to Real over the summer.
The skilful winger has adapted quickly to life in Spain, having scored twice in La Liga and bagging a brace in their midweek Champions League success over FC Zurich.
The teams could be paired against each other in the latter stages of the competition and Ferdinand would relish going head-to-head with his former team-mate.
However, while the ex-Leeds and West Ham stopper has all the respect in the world for the superstar, he would have no qualms resorting to dirty tactics if necessary.
Inevitable"I've been speaking to him on the phone," he told Sport Magazine . "I think it's in the stars it will happen.
"You want to play against the best players, and he is the best.
"He will get a hello and a shake of the hand, but if he needs to be kicked, he will be kicked."
When asked if City are bigger rivals to United over Liverpool, he replied: "Liverpool.
"City, now they are challenging the top four, come into it.
"But your rivals are teams around you [in the league]."
