Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, once teammates at Manchester United, have had a strained relationship in recent years. Here’s a breakdown of why their camaraderie has soured:
- Public Criticism: Rooney’s comments about Ronaldo’s early exit from a match and his behavior at Manchester United didn’t sit well with the Portuguese star. Rooney advised Ronaldo not to be a distraction, which Ronaldo took personally.
- Ronaldo’s Response: Ronaldo accused Rooney of being jealous of his career and success. In a candid interview, Ronaldo suggested Rooney’s criticisms stemmed from envy over his achievements and appearance.
- Jealousy Claims: Ronaldo implied that Rooney’s harsh words were driven by jealousy, noting that he remains at the top of his game while Rooney’s playing career has ended.
- Manchester United Drama: Rooney criticized United’s decision to re-sign Ronaldo, suggesting the club should focus on younger talent for long-term success. Ronaldo perceived this as another jab at his legacy.
- Social Media Feud: Ronaldo’s social media response to Rooney’s criticism included calling him “jealous,” further escalating their feud.
- Legacy and Performance: Rooney questioned Ronaldo’s current impact compared to his past dominance, arguing that his form had declined.
- Career Choices: Ronaldo was rumored to prefer a move to Manchester City, but ended up at United due to a last-minute intervention. Rooney hinted that Ronaldo’s motivations were more financial than loyal.
- Personal Attacks: Ronaldo has made comments about looking better than Rooney, adding a personal dimension to their rivalry.
- Media Appearances: Both players have used media platforms to air grievances, with Rooney discussing Ronaldo’s behavior on television and Ronaldo responding in interviews.
- Future Prospects: Despite their past successes together, their relationship has been marred by public disputes and personal attacks, reflecting a deep-seated tension that goes beyond football.
