Wayne Rooney has revealed what he said to ex-Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after the pair's World Cup spat in 2006.
Ronaldo became public enemy No.1 for his role in Rooney sending off in Portugal's quarter-final clash with England in Gelsenkirchen.
With the game perfectly poised at 0-0 the balance quickly swung in favour of Portugal when referee Horacio Marcelo Elizondo dismissed Rooney for stamping on Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho.
However, the situation erupted when Ronaldo applauded the dismissal before issuing an infamous wink to teammates as a sign of ‘job done’ in ousting England’s danger man.
Portugal went on to beat the Three Lions on penalties with Ronaldo netting the winning spot-kick.
It left a bitter taste in the mouth for England fans and players leaving many to wonder whether the pair could function together at Manchester United.
Weeks of media speculation followed as to whether Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford and how Rooney would react to him following the spat.
But it appears that any animosity between the pair was immediately quashed when they came head-to-head in the tunnel at full time.
“I spoke to him in the tunnel after the game and it was forgotten about,” Rooney told The Overlap. “I wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament.
“It was after that when Sir Alex [Ferguson] called me up to make sure I was okay which I was fine. I think Ronaldo was a bit scared."
The exchange had a positive effect on the duo’s relationship the following season as they scored a combined 31 goals during the 2006/07 season to wrestle back the Premier League title from Chelsea.
Sadly, the relationship has since soured after Rooney criticised Ronaldo’s actions during the Portuguese star’s second spell at Old Trafford.
Rooney hit out at Ronaldo for refusing to come onto the pitch during a game between Manchester United and Tottenham in October 2022, with the Red Devils losing.
The former Everton star labelled Ronaldo an ‘unwelcome distraction’ for the club.
Rooney said: “The things he has done from the start of the season, it is not acceptable for Manchester United.”
The Al-Nassr star was said to be surprised by the comments and responded with a jibe at his former teammate.
Ronaldo said: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly…probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level." He then aimed a personal dig at Rooney, adding: “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true.”
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