Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at Wayne Rooney after his former team-mate criticised his behaviour at Manchester United this season.
Ronaldo has fallen out of favour under Erik Ten Hag this term, starting just four league games, and showed his frustration last month by refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and then walking down the tunnel before the final whistle.
Rooney recently claimed Ronaldo's actions have been 'unacceptable' at times, and has accused him of being an unwelcome 'distraction' for the club. Ronaldo has finally reacted to Rooney's comments, and has hinted that the ex-England captain may be jealous of him.
'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,' Ronaldo said in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, as quoted by The Sun.
'I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true...'
Rooney's recent criticism is not the first time he has questioned Ronaldo's return to United.
He also urged the Red Devils to sell the Portuguese star in the summer after he told the club he wanted to leave, but Ronaldo failed to get a move away in the end.
Rooney and Ronaldo have a lengthy history, dating back to 2004 when Rooney arrived at Old Trafford a year after Ronaldo had moved to the English giants.
The pair were involved in an infamous incident at the 2006 World Cup when Rooney was sent off for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho.
As Rooney left the pitch, Ronaldo was caught winking on camera, appearing to confirm that he'd played a role in ensuring the England striker was given his marching orders.
Upon returning to United the following season, the duo put their differences aside and struck up a deadly partnership, leading the club to three consecutive league titles, plus the Champions League in 2008.
However, it seems their relationship has now hit a new low, with Ronaldo not taking too kindly to Rooney questioning his behaviour.
Rooney is not the only ex-team-mate that Ronaldo seems to have fallen out with either.
Gary Neville has called for Ronaldo and United to part ways for a second time in the January transfer window after stating the team are better without him in it.
Ronaldo reacted to that by snubbing Neville ahead of United's home match with West Ham at the end of last month.
yauaceimoy
188
Truth is that bro is dragging our team down with his attitude, by he way the team has improved under Erick. With all respect for ronaldo, he must jus go to sporting. There he can get all respect that he wants, here Erick won’t tolerate that stupid attitude of his. No wonder clubs were rejecting him last summer transfer🚮 Sometimes I feel like am following the wrong 🐐 but if it wasn’t for United I could’ve been a messy fan.
Aidenthom
152
BRO ROONEY HAVE A HEART OF GOLD!! BECAUSE HE IS TALKING THE TRUTH!! HE AINT THEM OTHER PUNDITS THAT COVER YOU BECAUSE YOU WAS THEIR MATE!! I PREFER A FRIEND THAT WILL TELL ME THE TRUTH THAN LIE TO ME WHILE IM HEADING IN DARKNESS!! I UNDERSTAND THINGS HAPPENING AT THE CLUB!! BUT ETH AINT THE PROBLEM HE IS THE SOLUTION!! HE BENCH YOU BECAUSE HE’S TRYING IS BEST TO WIN!! HE BENCH HIS OWN SIGNING MALACIA!! HE BENCH MAGUIRE BECAUSE MAGUIRE IS 💩 AND HE OBVIOUSLY SEE THAT!! CR7 YOU ARE THE GOAT for me but this time I got to back the manager!! I tired of seeing United battling and finishing out of the top 4!! We don’t need no player power at this time!!
Caddlnrz
125
The greatest virus of all time is the big worm Ronaldo whereas the greatest GOAT is Lionel Messi with his humble attitude.
JoyNg
122
It's obvious GOAT😏 We all understand Rooney jealousy and hatred... but that change nothing. Because you are always the GOAT🐐👑💕
Ceobeoy
83
Truth be told, Ronaldo is a narcissistic person driven by his overblown ego to think he is bigger than any club, I thank God he was never at my club . That is why Messi will always be the better player of the two .
Demiadd
64
Rooney’s comment was about your attitude something you displayed for the world to see and your clap back is jealousy because you’re still playing and he’s not and because you look better than him. If this man is not a child I don’t know what a child is. Your rebuttal is jealousy on the basis of looks and that you’re still playing. Smh
Kkrexuke
38
The funniest thing I read in the Manchester evening news is, he mentioned man utd blocked him from leaving for UCL club at the start of season then now he says man utd wants to force him out of utd. so question is does man utd wants him out or not? what I think : Ronaldo wants to leave utd but no club wants him so he decide to stay but couldn't start more matches bcos of poor form. He played tantrum and behaved unprofessionally. that's when the club decided he is too much of a distraction. in the end , the man thinks only abt himself it is all abt himself.
slique99z
30
what play on high level is this guy talking about. you ain't playing on high level you heating up the bench. you should be grooming the kids to be better players not taking away their shine. someone tell this guy his time is up and stop trying to stay relevant by any means..
lukzlat910
8
It's obvious GOAT😏 We all understand Rooney jealousy and hatred... but that change nothing. Because you are always the GOAT🐐👑💕
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rooney has been, was, and is a bigger legend for united than ronaldo ever was or is, especially after this, there's no coming back from this, he's ruined his reputation here