Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Why He Was Afraid To Continue At Manchester United Halfway Into His Spell

Ronaldo moved to United in 2003, three years later, he clashed with Rooney at the World Cup. As a result, Rooney was sent off, CR slyly winked, and England got knocked out. The Portuguese feared the reaction from the stands

Speaking to Goalhanger, Ronaldo recalled the incident: ''[The media] created a big drama which never existed. So when I arrived [back in England] I was kind of afraid, not because of Rooney but because of England supporters. They made a huge story when I did the wink, but it was not because of the circumstances with Rooney, it was another situation.




''It was difficult timing for me because I thought when I arrived in Manchester, people were going to boo me in all the stadiums. But it's the past, I had a chat with [Rooney] when I arrived back in Manchester. We are still friends, we speak about that and he understands my point of view.

''Of course, he [Rooney] helped me in all circumstances. He said: 'Cristiano, this is the past, let's speak about the present, let's win trophies together'.''

The two proceeded to win three Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Champions League during the Portuguese's five-year stay at Old Trafford.