Overview

• Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Rooney said he does not hate Ronaldo and described his former teammate as an absolute genius.
• Rooney acknowledged he has often preferred Lionel Messi’s playing style but said Ronaldo’s relentless scoring strengthens his all‑time case.
• He noted Ronaldo’s recent goal returns in Saudi Arabia and praised the 40-year-old’s longevity and consistency.
• Their relationship cooled during Ronaldo’s second Manchester United spell, including the 2022 Tottenham incident that preceded his exit to Al Nassr.
• Ronaldo previously told Piers Morgan that Rooney and Gary Neville are colleagues rather than friends, and there is no new public response from Ronaldo to Rooney’s remarks.