Wayne Rooney Revealed True Feelings on Cristiano Ronaldo Before Al Nassr Boycott
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney has already made clear what he thinks about the Portugal international, who recently reportedly went on strike at Al Nassr.
On Monday (February 2), reports emerged suggesting that the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward had gone on strike supposedly in relation to how the club is being managed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The PIF also own Al Hilal, who signed Karim Benzema during the winter transfer window, as well as Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Newcastle United.
Al Nassr currently trail Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal by one point after 19 games this term, with Ronaldo still without a league title in the Middle East.
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As reported by Portuguese outlet Record, Ronaldo “feels he deserves more respect” for his role in boosting the popularity of Saudi football.
And despite Ronaldo being left out of Al Nassr’s squad for their trip to Al-Riyadh, his team managed to secure a 1-0 win thanks to Sadio Mane’s strike.
Of course, Ronaldo is not one to hide his feelings and throughout his career has been outspoken when he feels the time is right.
The Portugal international has even become embroiled in altercations with his own teammates during his career – namely with then-Manchester United teammate Rooney during England and Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
After Rooney had been sent off for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho, Ronaldo appeared to wink at the Portugal bench, which enraged the Englishman and the Three Lions’ fans.
The pair later played together at United until Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009, but what does Rooney really make of the Portuguese?
Speaking in September 2025, Rooney told ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ that he doesn’t “hate” Ronaldo despite suggestions that he still isn’t his former teammate's biggest fan.
“People think I hate him [Ronaldo]," Rooney said.
"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.
"Ronaldo's a killer and people think because I've said Messi is better than Ronaldo, like I don't like him or speak down on him."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Football, Manchester United, Lionel Messi
Luke Davies