Wayne Rooney has criticised former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo following his controversial departure from the Portugal national team, describing the 41-year-olds behaviour as wrong in every sense. Ronaldo walked out of Portugals squad during the recent international break after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.The Al-Nassr forward subsequently apologised to his team-mates but accused Jesus of breaking his word and compared himself to football legends Pele and Diego Maradona.Rooney, who spent five years playing alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, believes the forward has handled the situation poorly and questioned his decision to publicly criticise the Portugal manager.Speaking on The United Stand, Rooney admitted he was baffled by Ronaldos actions, particularly given the timing of Lionel Messis retirement from international football.My thoughts on Ronaldo is just: Why? It was the same day Messi was retiring from Argentina and for him to come out of the Portugal squad in that way, then put that statement out Its just wrong in every sense, Rooney said.To undermine your manager, undermine your teammates the way he has it was just so wrong. To undermine the Portuguese FA, everything about it was just wrong.From a football point of view, from being a teammate and a manager, it wasnt nice to see.It comes to every player. You have to finish international football and unfortunately hes not dealing with it well. Its uncomfortable to see.You cant tell a manager what hes got to say. That just goes beyond anything Ive ever seen.Ronaldo facing Portugal suspension after disputeRonaldos departure prompted the Portuguese Football Federation to open disciplinary proceedings, with the veteran striker provisionally suspended while the investigation continues.The five-time Ballon dOr winner has accepted responsibility for leaving the squad and insisted he remains available to represent Portugal if selected.Rooney and Ronaldo enjoyed considerable success together at Manchester United between 2004 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.Ronaldo has since returned to action for Al-Nassr, scoring his 981st career goal during Mondays 3-1 Asian Champions League victory over Neftchi Fergana. Topics Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United F.C. Wayne Rooney If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Cristiano not the real Ronaldo Cassano slams Portugal star Nicholas McGee 14th October, 2026 Manchester United: Dont blame Carrick, Wilcox, or even Ratcliffe. The Glazers remain the root of the problem Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 F***ing Disgrace Amad Diallo joins Lisandro Martinez in letting rip after Manchester Uniteds defeat to Atletico Madrid Jon Fisher 14th October, 2026 I expect more from our technical director: Lisandro Martinez launches scathing attack on Man Utd transfer strategy after Atletico loss Cian Cheesbrough 14th October, 2026 Manchester United Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings Ben Miller 13th October, 2026 Champions League round-up: Kane scores twice but Bayern held Tom Rostance 13th October, 2026
