Zlatan Ibrahimovic's comments about Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney's time together at Manchester United have re-emerged.
Ronaldo unleashed an explosive attack on former teammate Rooney during his box-office interview with Piers Morgan earlier this week.
The United striker claimed Rooney was 'jealous' of his career longevity while appearing to refer to him as a 'rat' along with other former colleagues.
During their time at Old Trafford, Ronaldo and Rooney won three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
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Both players enjoyed playing with one another, Rooney acting as the perfect foil for the future five-time Ballon d'Or winner to strut his stuff.
Ibrahimovic saw it a different way. Back in 2015, before Ronaldo returned to United, he remarked Rooney was putting in more work which got overlooked.
He told BBC Sport: "When he played with Cristiano Ronaldo, all the work was done by Rooney.
"These great players they have their moments over one to three years. But to continue over five years, for ten years, the way Wayne Rooney has done is not easy. It's pressure every day playing for a big team."
Rooney stayed at United until 2017, becoming their all-time top goalscorer and adding two more Premier League titles to his name.
Ibrahimovic would play one season with Rooney at United, winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, made a shock return in 2021. He scored 24 goals in all competitions last season as United finished with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.
He attempted to force a move to a club in the Champions League over the summer but failed to attract any suitors.
The 37-year-old believes he has been 'disrespected' by Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag. He told Morgan: "I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me.
"If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."
Reports on Friday claimed United have taken the 'first steps' towards kicking Ronaldo out of the club.
The Portugal international, who is currently away with his country for the World Cup, will 'effectively be sacked' and he's no longer welcome at United's Carrington training complex.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
Daniel Marland