Rooney further attributed Ronaldo’s behaviour to his inability to accept that his international career was at its end.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British pundit and former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has waded into the Cristiano Ronaldo and Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus saga, saying the former’s abrupt departure from the Portuguese national team earlier in the month was “wrong in every sense”.
The Red Devils legend made his feelings on the feud known during his latest appearance on The Stick to United podcast.
Ronaldo ended his involvement with the Portugal national team following a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
Addressing the fallout later online in a comprehensive statement, the Al-Nassr forward explained that he took the decision after Jesus failed to honour his promises to him.
Ronaldo, however, apologised to his fellow players and supporters while expressing his readiness to accept any disciplinary measures imposed by the Portuguese Football Association.
The association subsequently imposed a provisional suspension on him following his unexpected departure.
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Reacting to what transpired at the camp in Denmark and thereafter, Rooney, who was one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammates, expressed his disapproval of the 41-year-old’s conduct.
He said, “He’s such a great player, and I think when you see, was it the same day Messi was retiring from Argentina?
“And then for him to come out of the Portugal squad that way and then put that statement out is just wrong in every sense, from my point of view.
“To undermine your manager, to undermine your teammates the way he has, is just so wrong. Everything about it is just wrong, from a footballing point of view.”
Rooney further suggested that Ronaldo was struggling to accept the reality that his international career was approaching its end, which he believed accounted for his current behaviour.
He added: “The unfortunate reality is that this situation confronts every player. One must eventually end one’s international career, and regrettably, he is managing this transition poorly, rendering the situation increasingly uncomfortable to watch.
“You cannot dictate to the manager what statements must be made during a press conference; such conduct transcends anything I have previously encountered.”
