Wayne Rooney is ‘bemused’ by Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments

Wayne Rooney is reportedly ‘bemused’ by Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about him but the Manchester United legend has decided not to publicly speak on the matter.

Ronaldo has been embroiled in significant drama over the past week after the release of his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Within the highly controversial interview, Ronaldo slammed the current state of the club, along with heavily criticising United manager Erik ten Hag and former teammates including Gary Neville and Rooney. 

In relation to Rooney’s criticism of his behaviour this season, which has included the Portuguese star refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and then walking down the tunnel before the final whistle, Ronaldo said: ‘I don’t know why he criticises me so badly.

‘Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level’

‘I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true… but it’s hard to listen to that kind of criticism and negativity from people who play with you for example, Gary Neville, as well.

‘People can have their own opinion, but they don’t really know what’s going on. For example, inside the training ground and Carrington or even my life. 

Ronaldo hinted in the interview that Rooney is just jealous that he is still playing for a big club 

Ronaldo and Rooney starred for United in the 2000s, but no longer seem to be on good terms

‘They have to listen to my point of view as well. Because it’s easy to criticise, but if you don’t know the whole story, it’s easy. 

‘They are not my friends.’

In response to Ronaldo’s words, Sky Sports News reported that Rooney will make no public statement on the matter but added he is puzzled by his former teammate.

Sky Sports News said: ‘Wayne Rooney we understand here at Sky Sports is bemused at the criticism levelled at him by Cristiano Ronaldo following that interview with Piers Morgan.

‘Rooney has decided he is going to make no public statement on the matter but it is understood that England’s all-time leading goalscorer has always maintained that Ronaldo is one of the two best in the world alongside Lionel Messi of course.

Ronaldo hit out at his former teammate but Rooney reportedly feels no animosity towards him

‘But he feels that Ronaldo needs to accept he is in the latter stages of his career but being at a club the size of Manchester United means respecting the situation and not expecting to play every minute of every game. 

‘We at Sky Sports are told that Rooney feels no animosity towards Ronaldo.’ 

Rooney recently claimed Ronaldo’s actions have been ‘unacceptable’ at times, and has accused him of being an unwelcome ‘distraction’ for the club.

His recent criticism is not the first time he has questioned Ronaldo’s return to United.

He also urged the Red Devils to sell the Portuguese star in the summer after he told the club he wanted to leave, but Ronaldo failed to get a move away in the end.

Rooney and Ronaldo have a lengthy history, dating back to 2004 when Rooney arrived at Old Trafford a year after Ronaldo had moved to the English giants.

The pair were involved in an infamous incident at the 2006 World Cup when Rooney was sent off for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho.

As Rooney left the pitch, Ronaldo was caught winking on camera, appearing to confirm that he’d played a role in ensuring the England striker was given his marching orders.

Upon returning to United the following season, the duo put their differences aside and struck up a deadly partnership, leading the club to three consecutive league titles, plus the Champions League in 2008.

However, it seems their relationship has now hit a new low, with Ronaldo not taking too kindly to Rooney questioning his behaviour.