AFCON 2025
Former England and Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has insisted that he does not hate Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite what many believe.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Rooney addressed the public perception of their relationship.
Rooney, who played alongside Ronaldo at United between 2004 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League, explained that his preference for Lionel Messi has often been misunderstood.
“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,” Rooney said.
He further clarified his stance, emphasizing that his admiration for Messi does not equate to a dislike for Ronaldo.
“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 former teammates were also on opposite sides in two Champions League finals, with Rooney’s United side losing to Messi’s Barcelona in both 2009 and 2011.
