The former Manchester United player has finally addressed the claims that he hates Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils legend and the Portuguese star are a formidable partnership; however, later, rumors spread like wildfire that he doesn't like Ronaldo. Does the former teammate of the Al Nassr striker actually hate him?
Manchester United icon addresses Cristiano Ronaldo hate claims
Wayne Rooney has revealed if he really hates his former teammate Ronaldo, and fans can take a deep breath now, because he doesn't. The former English captain, during his appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, said:
“People think I hate him [Ronaldo].”
Rooney continued:
"I love him. I think he's an absolute genius and what he's doing is incredible. I love Cristiano and playing with him. I don't think people realise, actually, how close me and him were.”
While addressing the hate rumours, the 39-year-old revealed what he believes might have led to the claims. He, on the aforementioned podcast, said:
"I think just because I've said that I think Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don't like Cristiano.”
Further explaining his admiration for the Argentine star, Rooney stated that he stated:
“I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on and whatever.”
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Messi vs Ronaldo has been one of the greatest sporting debates as they continue to make history even after not playing in the same league anymore. The two great figures of modern football have dominated all aspects of the sport since their debut. Hence, when someone chooses one as their favorite, it leads to everyone believing that that person dislikes the other superstar. However, this is not the case for Rooney. The English legend also disclosed his love for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Rooney said:
"Ronaldo's a killer and people think because I've said Messi is better than Ronaldo, I don't like him or speak down on him."
The two have scored plenty of goals together leading United towards Champions League and Premier League titles before Ronaldo left the team for the La Liga side Real Madrid. During their time together which lasted for five years between 2004 and 2009, the two powered Sir Alex Ferguson's team to three Premier League titles and a Champions League. On the other hand, Rooney, who has played as a forward and a midfielder both, lost two Champions League finals against Messi's Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 during his time at United.