Wayne Rooney Reveals Why People Think He Hates Cristiano Ronaldo

However, later in life, fans believe that Rooney hates Ronaldo. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, a podcast with Rooney and Ronaldo's former teammate. Rooney said about the reason why fans thought that, but declared it wasn't true.

People think I hate him. I think he's an absolute genius; what he's doing is incredible. I don't think people realise how close he and I were.Wayne Rooney

During Ronaldo's time in Spain, the hot topic among football fans was who was better: Ronaldo or Barcelona's Lionel Messi. It's a debate that continues to this day and will for a long time. Rooney has always been on team Messi, and he said that was the reason why fans think he dislikes Ronaldo.

Just because I've said Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don't like Cristiano. What he's doing to be honest, over the last couple of years, I'm thinking, 'Do you know what?', he's probably gonna be the one when you look back, Cristiano, because he keeps going.Wayne Rooney

The now-retired Rooney, who has had spells as a head coach, revealed why he prefers Messi. He also said whichever side of the argument you are on, you can't argue with them both being excellent players.

Ronaldo's a killer. People think because I've said Messi is better than Ronaldo, that I don't like him or I speak down on him.

“[I prefer the way Messi plays], that's it - you might prefer Cristiano, this person might prefer Messi or Ronaldo, but I don't think you can argue with any of them two.Wayne Rooney

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