CRISTIANO RONALDO has fired back at Wayne Rooney after being criticised by his former Manchester United team-mate this season.
In an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo claims Rooney is JEALOUS of his ongoing playing career.
And in another pop at Wazza, the Portuguese veteran also reckons he is “looking better” than his old strike partner these days.
Ronaldo and Rooney, both 37, enjoyed an illustrious spell together at Man United between 2004 and 2009.
Their goals helped secure three consecutive Premier League titles and even a Champions League.
But their past relationship has not stopped Rooney from blasting Ronaldo over his recent attitude.
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Roo first urged the Red Devils to sell Ronaldo before claiming he’s “not the player he once was.”
And last week Rooney urged Ronnie to “get your head down and work” while calling his refusal to play against Tottenham “unacceptable.”
However, Ronaldo has not taken kindly to Rooney’s advice, and says the stinging words come from a place of envy.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.
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“I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…”
Ronaldo was clearly irked by Rooney’s latest blast, with the ex-England skipper telling TalkSport: “Him and Messi are arguably the two best players of all-time and you can go either way with that, whatever way you decide.
“But I just think the things he has done from the start of season, it is not acceptable for Manchester United.
“I’ve seen Roy Keane defending him. Roy wouldn’t accept that. Roy wouldn’t accept that at all.
“It is a distraction which Manchester United don’t need at the minute, trying to rebuild.
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“For Cristiano, just get your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you.
“If he does that, he will be an asset. If he doesn’t, it will become an unwanted distraction.”
