Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were two peas in a pod! I know it might be hard to believe this, considering the relationship the two now share. However, during a time in their respective careers, the two were a part of one of the deadliest trios in soccer history. But like all fine things, the partnership did not last long as Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid, marking the beginning of a new era, one that had Cristiano Ronaldo at the head and center!

While Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo had similar starts, some things clearly separated the duo. The latest episode of ‘The Overlap’ saw United legend Gary Neville host Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. During the show, Neville described what set Cristiano apart from Rooney, making him the best player in the world.

The Englishman stated, “Wazza’s career at 27. He played for 10-11 years already. So they both sort of, Wayne was always going to have a shorter career. But when they were both together from 2006 to 09, they were brilliant. And then Cristiano Ronaldo started to go [up] like that. Their body shapes were different. I say that respectfully. Wazza was like a sort of square strong shape. Cristiano had the physique of this super middleweight boxer.”

Neville, then, added that while Wayne would love managing his life away from the game, Cristiano was too focused on his career. “He was in the gym every day, even back then, when he wasn’t the thing. He would stay after and do all the ice baths and all the stuff at his house. Never took a chance with his professionalism at all. Wazza liked to drink. He liked to go out a little bit, and his body shape was different, but they were both unbelievable players.”

Even Rooney, on occasion, has agreed to the fact. The Englishman even sacrificed his place in his dream team just to put Cristiano Ronaldo up top as the striker!

Wayne Rooney picks Cristiano Ronaldo himself as Manchester United’s best striker

The Manchester United legend was present alongside ex-teammate Rio Ferdinand on TnT Sports earlier last month. During his appearance, the two former United stars were asked to pick their dream Manchester United five-a-side squad, to pick players from the past and present. The two quickly agreed on the goalkeeper by electing Edwin van der Sar as the man between the sticks.

Rooney then went his way of picking Ferdinand to be the team’s sole defender while picking Paul Scholes as the midfielder. When asked to name his forwards, Rooney selflessly picked Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo as the players up top, adding, “Ronaldo… probably is the best goalscorer.”

Trending

Cristiano Ronaldo Puts Al Hilal on Notice With Verdict on Al Nassr’s Title Chase

April 28, 2024 08:46 PM EDT

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT

China tour Confirmed For Cristiano Ronaldo & Al Nassr After Cancelling Friendlies Due To Injury

April 29, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Alex Morgan Return Update- San Diego Wave Injury Latest Vs Bay FC

April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Well, it seems like Wazza still has respect for his former teammates despite the two not being as close as they used to be! What are your thoughts on Wayne Rooney’s five-a-side team? Let us know in the comments below.