Former Manchester United and England attacker, Wayne Rooney, has said that he does not hate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rooney said that contrary to what people, especially Ronaldo’s fans think, he loves the Portuguese.
The former Everton man described the Real Madrid legend as a killer and football genius.
He said that during their time together at Old Trafford, they never had any problem with each other.
Ronaldo and Rooney spent five years together at Manchester United during the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the best of trophies together.
Speaking with their former teammate, Rio Ferdinand on the former defender’s podcast, Rooney said he considers Ronaldo to be a genius at football.
However, the former England international pointed out that his choice of Lionel Messi as a better player than the Portuguese in the past, has made it look like he hated the 40-year-old.
“People think I hate him [Ronaldo]. 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.
“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.”
There was no recorded incident of a clash between Rooney and Ronaldo during their time with the Red Devils.
Their only public clash came during the 2006 World Cup, when England played Portugal.
During the game, Ronaldo was accused of influencing a red card for Rooney, his club teammate.