Anderson has revealed that two of his former Manchester United teammates shared the same reaction as him when Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s magnificent 26-year reign at Old Trafford came to an end in 2013 after he successfully captured the Premier League title with Manchester United.
The 82-year-old Scotsman bowed out of United with a stacked trophy cabinet, which included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and five FA Cups.
Ferguson, who led United to an iconic treble win in 1999, has remained an ever-present figure at Old Trafford after he called it time on his legendary career.
However, the Red Devils have struggled to return to the top of English football in the aftermath of Ferguson’s retirement and have not won a league title since 2013.
Rio Ferdinand revealed last month that one of his former United teammates was on the verge of tears after Ferguson revealed his intention to step down from the club.
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Anderson on Ferguson’s departure
Sir Alex Ferguson brought Anderson to Old Trafford in 2007 after Manchester United signed him from Portuguese side Porto.
Anderson made 181 appearances during his time at United and lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and a League Cup with the club.
The 35-year-old Brazilian former midfielder continued to play for United after Ferguson’s retirement, but he struggled to establish himself under Louis van Gaal.
Anderson left Old Trafford in 2015 and went on to sign for Brazilian side Internacional, with the former United man later playing for Adana Demirspor.
The ex-Brazil international, who retired from football in 2020, revealed that he was stunned when Ferguson decided to call it time on his career at United.
The ex-United midfielder claimed that Danny Welbeck and Patrice Evra had the same feeling that it was the end of an era for the Premier League club.
Speaking to ge.globo, Anderson said: “I came home very sad.
“That year, there was a feeling that the club was dead. I, Evra, Welbeck sat down and we said: ‘Manchester is over.’
“He [Ferguson] knew when to give you love and to curse you to your face if necessary and make you cry in front of everyone. I’ve seen several players end up crying.
“Not crying because he cursed, but crying out of anger. There was no player who would earn more salary than him or have more voice than him. The club was what it was because of him.”
Anderson on his relationship with Ferguson
Speaking on his relationship with Ferguson, Anderson insisted that he has a lot of affection for the former United and Aberdeen boss.
The former Brazil midfielder claimed that Ferguson was “more than a coach” to him and made him “understand things” and put him in his place when needed.
“Ferguson and I had a great affection,” Anderson said.
“He was more than a coach and a player. He made me understand things. He put me in my place.
“He controlled Manchester 100 [per cent].”