Wayne Rooney’s Admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney, former striker for Manchester United, has clarified his feelings towards Cristiano Ronaldo, asserting that he bears no animosity towards his once teammate, whom he regards as a “genius.” In a recent discussion on the podcast “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” Rooney tackled the ongoing debate surrounding the supremacy of Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi, expressing that he finds it difficult to favor either player definitively.
Shared Success at Manchester United
During their tenure at Manchester United from 2004 to 2009, Rooney and Ronaldo were instrumental in securing multiple titles, including three Premier League championships and a UEFA Champions League victory. However, their relationship faced public scrutiny during the 2006 World Cup when a controversial incident involved Ronaldo seemingly influencing a referee’s decision that sent Rooney off the field for a foul against Portugal’s Ricardo Carvalho.
Respect Beyond Rivalry
Despite this past incident, Rooney emphasized the closeness he shared with Ronaldo, saying,
“People think I hate him. I love him. I think he’s an absolute genius, and what he’s doing is incredible.”
He further stated that his admiration for Messi—whom he believes to have a slight edge in certain aspects of the game—does not detract from his respect for Ronaldo.
Reflections on Greatness
Rooney reflected on his experiences against Messi, particularly during two Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011, where his Manchester United squad fell to Messi’s Barcelona. He acknowledged both players as among the greatest in football history, noting,
“It’s hard to argue against either of them; they are the two best players to have ever played the game.”
Continued Excellence
At 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level, prompting Rooney to commend him:
“I take my hat off to him. I couldn’t speak a bad word about him.”
This dialogue highlights not only the competitive spirit shared between these footballing icons but also Rooney’s respect for their unique talents as part of a larger conversation about modern football legacies.
