Rooney and Ronaldo formed a potent partnership in Manchester United's attack from 2004 to 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League together. Despite a clash at the 2006 World Cup, where Ronaldo was seen as instrumental in Rooney's red card during the quarter-final against Portugal, the former England captain insists their relationship has always been good.
"People think I hate Ronaldo, but I don't. I love him," Rooney shared on the podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents. "He's a genius and what he's achieved is extraordinary. The truth is, Ronaldo and I are very close."
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Rooney (left) and Ronaldo as teammates at Manchester United from 2004 to 2009. Photo: PA |
Rooney (left) and Ronaldo as teammates at Manchester United from 2004 to 2009. Photo: PA
The 39-year-old also explained why he's often misunderstood as favoring Messi. He believes Messi has a slight edge in creativity and dribbling, but that doesn't mean he undervalues Ronaldo.
"Ronaldo is a killer," Rooney stated. "I've only ever said that Messi has a little something extra in his play, but Ronaldo is brilliant in a different way. If I had to choose, I couldn't definitively pick one, because they're the two best players in football history."
The Manchester United legend then emphasized his admiration for both superstars. "Messi brings flair, Ronaldo brings power. Ronaldo is 40 years old, and what he's doing is incredible. I can't say a bad word about him," Rooney expressed.
Born in Liverpool, Rooney emerged from Everton's youth academy. He made his first-team debut on 17/8/2002, assisting Mark Pembridge's goal in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham, before turning 17.
Two years later, Rooney joined Manchester United for 40 million USD. In 13 seasons at Old Trafford, he became the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, winning 16 trophies, including five Premier Leagues and one Champions League. Rooney returned to Everton in the summer of 2017, after falling out of favor with manager Jose Mourinho. A year later, he moved to the US to play for D.C. United in the MLS before retiring.
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Rooney, Keane, and Ferdinand (from right to left) during their time together at Manchester United. Photo: Sky Sports |
Rooney, Keane, and Ferdinand (from right to left) during their time together at Manchester United. Photo: Sky Sports
In the same conversation with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Rooney suggested that he and former midfielder Roy Keane would struggle in today's Manchester United due to the changing culture in the dressing room. "We'd have been sacked," he said. "Some of the things said in the dressing room back then would certainly not be acceptable today. Now, if you offer frank feedback to a teammate, you're easily seen as a bully."
The former England captain believes that heated debates and even reprimands helped him and his teammates stay focused and driven to win. But as a manager, having led Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham, and Plymouth Argyle, he realizes that things have changed drastically.
"I once had to leave the dressing room because a player thought that giving public feedback was bullying. I didn't know what to say other than to tell them to go take a shower. That's society now, you have to consider every word, every tone of voice," Rooney recounted.
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Rooney and his wife Coleen. Photo: Instagram / Coleen Rooney |
Rooney and his wife Coleen. Photo: Instagram / Coleen Rooney
The English legend also shared about his personal life, admitting to struggling with alcohol during his playing career before changing thanks to his wife, Coleen. "I believe if it weren't for her, I would be dead. Coleen realized since I was 17 that I was somewhat impulsive, passionate about football, but also loved partying. She helped me control that, and thanks to that, I'm still here today," Rooney said emotionally.
Hong Duy (ESPN, Daily Mail)
