Ronaldo grateful for Rooney's clash

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that last year's clash with teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup 2006 helped him mature and become a better player. <br>

كتب : Karim Farouk

الجمعة، 14 سبتمبر 2007 - 15:31

Rooney was sent off against Portugal

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that last year's clash with teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup 2006 helped him mature and become a better player.

"After the match I was criticised and whistled at," said Ronaldo.

Rooney played a role in the sending off of Rooney from the game and then England had to lose to Portugal.

The English fans never forgot that and it was reported that Ronaldo would never be back to the country.

Manager Alex Ferguson had to travel to Portugal to convince the player to get back to the team and gave him a huge support despite being consistently booed by the audience.

"It was not very pleasant but it did me some good. With this I grew wiser and it helped me mature." Added the 21-year-old prolific winger.

Ronaldo had a sensational season with Manchester leading them to the Premier League title and finished second in the scorers chart just behind Ivorian Didier Drogba.

"Rooney is a good friend, alongside him it is a pleasure and honour to play."