Rooney criticises behaviour of former team-mate Ronaldo

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FT Desk

Wayne Rooney has criticised the recent behaviour of his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar made headlines during the international break after leaving the national team squad and returning to Saudi Arabia, having been left on the bench for the Nations League clash against Norway.

His departure sparked speculation over his international future, particularly given the disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.

Although Jesus had previously indicated that Ronaldo remained welcome to return, the forward later published a lengthy statement on Instagram, claiming that the coach had gone back on a promise to give him 30 minutes of playing time against Norway.

Ronaldo acknowledged that his decision to leave the squad could warrant disciplinary action. However, he also reassured supporters that he has no intention of retiring from international football.

Rooney believes CR7 was wrong to walk out on his compatriots, who won both games after he left.

"My thoughts on Ronaldo is just: 'Why?' It was the same day [Lionel] Messi was retiring from Argentina and for him to come out of the Portugal squad in that way, then put that statement out... It's just wrong in every sense," Rooney said on Stick to United.

"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 wasn't nice to see.

"It comes to every player. You have to finish international football and unfortunately he's not dealing with it well. It's uncomfortable to see."

Rooney versus Ronaldo

Boxing trainer and former professional fighter Malik Scott previously indicated a desire to get Ronaldo and Rooney to pull on the gloves in a showcase event inside the ring.

Celebrity boxing events are huge moneymakers currently, with YouTubers Jake and Logan Paul and KSI examples of figures who have stepped into the ring for fights.

Recently, Mike Tyson and even Anthony Joshua have fought Jake in Netflix showcases that drew huge streaming numbers.

But, what about if two former Manchester United team-mates got in the ring?

Scott, who has most notably trained Deontay Wilder, wants to make it happen.

"Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Wayne Rooney would bring more eyes to boxing, and I'm all for it," he previously told GOAL.

"Any time boxing gets more attention, it's a good thing. I want people to enjoy the spectacle, not just critique it. Just enjoy the carnival. It would be a global event because these are high-level names that would draw huge numbers."