Scolari declares war on Man U's Fergie, says he wants Ronaldo

London, Sept.20 (ANI): Chelsea and Portugal coach Phil Scolari has declared war on Manchester United's Alex Ferguson through his tongue-in-cheek revelation that he wants to sign Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo.Scolari's announcement ahead of Sunday's match between the two sides, is likely to ignite fireworks and infuriate Ferguson.

"Maybe next season, Cristiano is with me. Tell him if he wants to change, I'll open the door for him," The Sun quoted Scolari, as saying.Both have been at loggerheads all week after Ferguson claimed that the FA favoured the Londoners by overturning John Terry's red card at Manchester City. But Big Phil hit back - and showed he can play mind games too.

It is not the first time the two managers have crossed swords over Ronaldo. When Scolari was Ron's Portugal manager at Euro 2008, he told the winger to follow his heart and seal a controversial switch to boyhood idols Real Madrid.Ronaldo is set to make his first start of the season for United tomorrow after recovering from ankle surgery.

Scolari added: "He will leave United one day because he won't play for 50 years.

"If he goes to another club, whether in one year or two years, I don't know. He's my friend. I like him as a father likes his son. But his life is his life.

"When I arrived in Portugal, Ronaldo was a kid, a young boy of 17. At that time, he had a good character. He was starting as a very good professional, but at that time he was already thinking about his future. He's improved himself, very well, in the five or six years since'" Scolari said.

"I have some players here who are fantastic, and I'd never say they are the best. He is one of three, one of five, one of 10," Scoalri added. (ANI)