Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has picked Ryan Giggs as the best trainer among his former teammates, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He says that the Welshman was always doing something to stay fit, and that was a key reason for his long career.
Speaking on the Smith Brothers podcast, Rooney said that Giggs never missed any training session because he wanted to maintain his rhythm. He also said that the Manchester United icon changed his focus after injuries early in his career and said:
“It’s tough. I have to say Ryan Giggs. Yeah. I just think for that long, you know, obviously everyone’s doing it now, Pilates or yoga and stuff, but he was doing all that just to keep himself fit and playing on obviously Ronaldo as well now he’s doing the same."
“But I just think for longevity and keeping himself fit because he had his injuries when he was younger as well before I was at United and then from that and then what he what he did, he never pulled out of a training session because he knew if he missed a session or two sessions and it’d be so difficult for him to get back into his rhythm.”
Wayne Rooney played 278 games with Ryan Giggs at Manchester United, combining for 23 goals. They won the Premier League five times together and added one UEFA Champions League in their time at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney reflects on former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney was on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in 2024 and said that he does not have hateful feelings towards Cristiano Ronaldo. The Englishman rebuffed claims that he hates the Portuguese star and said:
"People think I hate him [Ronaldo]. 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."
"I think just because I've said that I think Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don't like Cristiano. 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."
Cristiano Ronaldo played 206 games with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, combining for 27 goals. The Portuguese star left the club in 2009 and rejoined in 2021 before having his contract terminated in November 2022.