Rooney responds to Ronaldo: Every player bar Messi is jealous of him

Wayne Rooney has responded after Cristiano Ronaldo labelled him jealous, following his criticism of the current Manchester United forward earlier this week.

The Derby County coach told a press conference on Thursday that it is impossible not to be jealous of Ronaldo.

"There's probably not a football player on the planet that isn't jealous of Cristiano," he said.

"The career he's had, the trophies he's won, the money he's earned... the six pack, his body.

"I think every player, bar probably Lionel Messi, is jealous of Cristiano."

Rooney and Ronaldo played together at Manchester United from 2004 until 2009, where they formed one of the deadliest strike partnerships in Premier League history.

Rooney lights the flame

Rooney appeared on Sky Sports' 'Monday Night Football' programme this week and was asked whether Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford has been a success so far.

"You'd have to say no at the minute," Rooney said.

"[Ronaldo] has scored goals, important goals in the Champions League early on in the season. He scored obviously the hat trick against Tottenham."

He then went on to state that United should be targeting younger players who will offer more than Ronaldo.

"But I think if you're looking to the future of the club, you have to go with younger, hungry players to lift Manchester United over these next two or three years," he said.

"Obviously, Cristiano is getting on a bit. He certainly isn't the player he was in his 20s, and that happens - that's football.

"He's a goal threat, but the rest of the game they need more and they need young, hungry players."

Ronaldo was unhappy with these comments, as shown by his comment he on Rooney's Instagram post just hours later.

The former England striker published a photo sitting next to Jamie Carragher and presenter David Jones, which Ronaldo commented on.

"Two jealous," he wrote.