Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo criticised by Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney did not mince his words about Cristiano Ronaldo. Following the controversial departure of the Portugal forward, amid a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus, the former England international believes that his ex-teammate handled the situation badly.

Rooney condemns inappropriate conduct

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after remaining on the bench during the victory over Norway in the Nations League. The Al-Nassr player reportedly challenged Jorge Jesus’s management of his playing time before publishing a lengthy statement to explain his decision. The reaction prompted widespread criticism, including from Wayne Rooney, with whom he shared the Manchester United dressing room between 2004 and 2009:

Why? On the very day Messi ended his international career with Argentina, Ronaldo chose to leave the Portugal national team in this manner and then publish that statement. In my eyes, it was wrong in every sense.

In comments relayed by The United Stand, Rooney also believes that the public statement weakened the manager’s authority and sent the wrong message to the squad:

To undermine his manager, his teammates and the Portuguese Football Federation in that way was simply unacceptable.

The end of his international career at the heart of the debate

Beyond this episode, Rooney questioned the way Ronaldo is approaching the final part of his international career. The former striker believes that every player must, sooner or later, accept leaving the national team. In his view, the Portuguese star appears to be struggling with this change in status.

These comments come as the Portuguese Football Federation has opened disciplinary proceedings following the player’s departure. Ronaldo, for his part, acknowledged responsibility for leaving and apologised to his teammates and the supporters.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Portugal

UEFA Nations League A