Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson Support Anthony Crolla

Anthony Crolla, the Manchester boxer whose world lightweight title shot was called off after he was attacked by burglars and left with a cracked skull and a broken ankle, has revealed that Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson have been in touch to support him as he recovers.

Crolla was due to fight Cuban Richar Abril on January 23 for the WBA title, but that fight has been called off as the boxer recovers from the serious injuries.

And while he insists he will return to the ring better than ever, he also suggests that the support from Old Trafford has been a big part of keeping his spirits up, via the BBC:

"

I am a big United fan. Wayne Rooney got the rest of the team to sign a shirt for me. I was like a kid with that. And I got a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson. I thought it was a wind up. I was going to swerve the call. I thought it was a great impression.

He said it was a good thing I had done. But we were talking about football. It was good to talk to him for five minutes. I couldn't believe it.

"

Crolla also added of the shirt, "My missus normally wouldn't allow anything like that on the wall but this is going up."

"

I can't thank everyone on here enough for all the msgs of support. Honestly took back by them all they've meant the absolute world to (1/3)

— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014"

"

me and my family. I'm devastated over what happened and having to pull out of my fight but I've got a lot to be thankful for as I'm a (2/3)

— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014"

"

very lucky man. It'll be a tough road back but I promise that I will be back stronger than ever in 2015. Thanks so much again #blessed (3/3)

— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) December 21, 2014"

[BBC]