Wayne Rooney has criticised former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo following his controversial departure from the Portugal national team, describing the 41-year-old’s behaviour as “wrong in every sense”.
Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s squad during the recent international break after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
The Al-Nassr forward subsequently apologised to his team-mates but accused Jesus of “breaking his word” and compared himself to football legends Pele and Diego Maradona.
Rooney, who spent five years playing alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, believes the forward has handled the situation poorly and questioned his decision to publicly criticise the Portugal manager.
Speaking on The United Stand, Rooney admitted he was baffled by Ronaldo’s actions, particularly given the timing of Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
“My thoughts on Ronaldo is just: ‘Why?’ It was the same day Messi was retiring from Argentina and for him to come out of the Portugal squad in that way, then put that statement out… It’s just wrong in every sense,” Rooney said.
“To undermine your manager, undermine your teammates the way he has – it was just so wrong. To undermine the Portuguese FA, everything about it was just wrong.
“From a football point of view, from being a teammate and a manager, it wasn’t nice to see.
“It comes to every player. You have to finish international football and unfortunately he’s not dealing with it well. It’s uncomfortable to see.
“You can’t tell a manager what he’s got to say. That just goes beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”
Ronaldo facing Portugal suspension after dispute
Ronaldo’s departure prompted the Portuguese Football Federation to open disciplinary proceedings, with the veteran striker provisionally suspended while the investigation continues.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has accepted responsibility for leaving the squad and insisted he remains available to represent Portugal if selected.
Rooney and Ronaldo enjoyed considerable success together at Manchester United between 2004 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo has since returned to action for Al-Nassr, scoring his 981st career goal during Monday’s 3-1 Asian Champions League victory over Neftchi Fergana.
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