Manchester United failed prodigy Federico Macheda has revealed that former manager Sir Alex Ferguson called him to encourage him as he attempts to revive his football career.
The Italian player was a youth sensation during the early days of his career but he has failed to live up to the hype.
Macheda was released by Cardiff City after a disappointing run in August. The player managed to score eight goals after 33 games hence his release by the Bluebirds after two years.
“This will be a new beginning for me. I will take what has happened in the past with me but now only the present counts and the future.
“My goal is to do well from the start; I will have a couple of weeks when I will make a mini preparation to ensure my condition is optimal. My goal is to jump right in the squad,” Macheda wrote on his page on Facebook.
The player, who has spent time at Sampdoria, Queen Park Rangers, Vfb Stuggart, Doncaster Rovers and Birmingham City, was the youngster that got the winner for the Red Devils to seal the title in 2009 at the age of 17.
Macheda, 25, added that Sir Alex Ferguson taught him “so much” and called “three weeks ago” to check on him.
“Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person and has taught me so much. He called me three weeks ago to see how I was and how my career is going. He coached the greatest players in history, and the fact that he thinks about me makes me proud,” Macheda claimed.
The striker agreed to a one-year deal with Serie B side but has an option to extend for one year if he impresses. Novara is 11th in the second tier in Italy but remains an opportunity for the player to resume his career.