Rooney calls Cristiano a 'true genius'

For him, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are 'the two greatest players of all time.'

Rooney calls Cristiano a 'true genius'

Wayne Rooney wanted to put an end to rumors that he doesn’t like Cristiano Ronaldo. In a podcast hosted by Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United striker actually showered his former teammate with praise.

The two players shared the pitch between 2004 and 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Despite the controversial episode at the 2006 World Cup (Rooney’s red card against Portugal after Ronaldo’s intervention with the referee), their partnership left an indelible mark on Manchester United’s history.

Cristiano Ronaldo & Wayne Rooney Myth is Settled… @waynerooney loves him! 👏🏽❤️#ronaldo#cr7#cristianopic.twitter.com/yRISyS6F3V

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 24, 2025

Rooney points out that he simply said he prefers Lionel Messi in terms of playing style, but never intended to diminish Ronaldo:

People think I hate him. I love him. He’s a true genius and what he does is unbelievable. Messi has a bit more ease when it comes to dribbling past players, but Ronaldo is a killer. What he’s doing at 40 is exceptional.

🚨🚨 | Wayne Rooney 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 sur son ancien coéquipier Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 :

« Les gens pensent que je le déteste. En réalité je l’adore, les gens ne savent pas à quel point nous étions proches. Il a une mentalité que personne d’autre ne possède. Cela dépasse tout ce que j’ai vu dans… pic.twitter.com/dvw28qBf1S

— ActuCR7 (@ActuCR7_) September 24, 2025