'Cheesy but very heartfelt' - Ruud van Nistelrooy meets special fan as pop star Robbie Williams reveals how he 'begged' Man Utd legend for a picture and shares touching story about dog he named after former striker

The pop star recently met the former striker in the United States as the Red Devils continued their Stateside pre-season tour. Williams posted a photo with Van Nistelrooy and said he felt like he was "14 again".

Instagram/robbiewilliams

The pop star posted the photo on Instagram and wrote in the caption: "Today for a moment I became 14. See the second slide for details. I don’t really ask anyone for photos - True story, the last person was Sue Pollard - But as I drove past Ruud van Nistelrooy whilst in a golf cart, I yelled: ‘Stop……….pls’. Sprang like a gazelle, phone in hand and almost begged for one.

"And just like that I behaved like so many people I’ve seen behave with me. I was almost possessed…….. like ‘This MUST happen’. You see, I named my dog Ruddy after Ruud. My beautiful German Shepherd.

"Ruud and his Man Utd team saw me through some dark periods in my life. His goals made me happy. Happy when I wasn’t. In some way that moment today was a full circle kind of deal.

"My beautiful dog, my mental illness and this man and his goals. Ruddy is no longer with us. My mental Illness in many ways -for want of a better expression- is in remission. ll thats left is this Photo. A memory for some memories.

As I left Ruud said: ’Thank you for your songs’ and in return I said: ’No, thank you for your goals’. Cheesy but very heartfelt. Maybe one day I’ll be able to meet him and just be a human talking to a human. But until then, witness Robbie Williams competition winner in slide 2."

Van Nistelrooy recently rejoined United as part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff this summer, returning to the club where he enjoyed his most successful stint. The Dutchman played 219 games for the Red Devils and had a total of 180 goal contributions in all competitions.

The former Old Trafford star continues travelling with the Red Devils squad as they are set to take on Liverpool in their final friendly against Liverpool this weekend.