Alex Ferguson finally ends BBC boycott

Ferguson has not talked to the BBC regarding team matters since 2004 following a broadcast on TV containing allegations about his son, Jason.

Ferguson made it clear that he would not talk to the BBC until an apology was made.

The Premier League finally orchestrated a meeting between Ferguson and the English broadcaster to try to finally put an end to the seven-year feud.

A joint statement released by United and the BBC today read: "Sir Alex Ferguson and the BBC have decided to put behind them the difficulties which led to Sir Alex feeling unable to appear on BBC programmes.

"This follows a meeting between Sir Alex and the BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, and BBC North director Peter Salmon, and the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.

"Sir Alex will now make himself available to the BBC for Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live and other outlets as agreed.

"No further comment will be made by either party on this issue."

Since 2004, the only interviews Ferguson has given to the BBC have been for tributes to figures such as Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs.