Maradona was checking up on Argie ace Carlos Tevez at United.
Ferdinand told Manutd.com: “We were like schoolkids around a star coming to school.
“In my eyes he is the best footballer ever. He is one of my heroes, if not the shining beacon when I was a kid.
“I had all his videos. He was the player everyone wanted to be. He was been the best. He was my idol and part of the reason why I started to play football.
“I can’t hold him in higher esteem than that. To be able to shake his hand, get a cuddle of him and a picture, it made my birthday.
“I think the gaffer would probably like him to come every day the way he raised standards in training.
“Everyone was trying to impress him. I hope he will go back to Argentina and say he’s seen a great player – Rio Ferdinand!”
Fergie added: “It was good. The players were all delighted to see him.
“It is arguable who is the best player in the world but without a doubt, he is in the best two or three.”
