Wayne Rooney has moved to quash speculation about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting he harbors nothing but admiration for the Portuguese forward.
The former Manchester United and England captain addressed lingering rumors during a conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, emphasizing the depth of their friendship on and off the pitch.
“For years, people think I hate him. I love him. I think he’s an absolute genius and what he’s doing is incredible,” Rooney said. “I love Cristiano and playing with him. I don’t think people realize how close me and him were.”
Rooney’s comments come amid long-standing debate over the “GOAT” – or greatest of all time – in football, where he has openly acknowledged Lionel Messi as his personal preference. Some fans interpreted his remarks as a slight against Ronaldo, fueling speculation of tension between the two stars. Rooney was clear, however, that his admiration for Messi does not diminish his respect for Ronaldo.
“Just because I’ve said Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don’t like Cristiano. Ronaldo’s a killer, and people assume I’m speaking down on him, which is not the case,” he explained.
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The pair spent five years together at Manchester United under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a period marked by domestic dominance and European triumph, including United’s 2008 Champions League victory. Despite the intense spotlight, Rooney emphasized that their camaraderie was often misunderstood by the public.
“People don’t realize how close we were. Playing with him was fantastic, and off the pitch we got on really well,” he added.
While both players enjoyed immense success at club level, their careers have not been without controversy. One notable incident occurred during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final between England and Portugal, when Rooney was sent off after a foul on Ricardo Carvalho. Ronaldo was later accused of influencing the referee’s decision, although both players dismissed the episode and maintained their friendship.
Rooney’s latest remarks reinforce a narrative of mutual respect and professionalism, highlighting the complexities of footballing rivalries and public perception. With both players now in the later stages of their careers, their bond from United’s golden era remains a defining chapter in modern football history.
