Rooney clarifies his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Video: Rooney clarifies his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Abdullateef Fowewe
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has opened up about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, dispelling rumours of animosity.
Rooney and Ronaldo’s on-field partnership was highly successful, but differences in opinion emerged later.
In 2022, Rooney criticised Ronaldo’s behaviour during his second spell at Manchester United calling him an ‘unwelcome distraction’ after Ronaldo refused to play and walked off down the tunnel against Tottenham.
Ronaldo, in turn, retaliated by commenting on Rooney’s early retirement and even made personal remarks about his appearance.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said, “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly, probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level. I’m not going to say that I’m better looking than him. Which is true.”
However, Rooney in an interview with former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand said, “People think I hate him. I love him! I think he’s an absolute genius; what he’s doing is incredible. I don’t think people realise how close he and I were.
“Just because I’ve said Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don’t like Cristiano. To be honest, over the last couple of years, I’m thinking, ‘Do you know what?’, he’s probably gonna be the one when you look back, Cristiano, because he keeps going.
“I absolutely love Messi, I love watching him play, and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played, and taking players on.”
