It is an episode that all of England has never forgotten: the quarter -final of the 2006 World Cup against Portugal, and this famous “Wink” by Cristiano Ronaldo after the expulsion of Wayne Rooney. Long remained discreet on this episode, the former English captain finally delivered a surprising revelation which changes the perception of this historic episode. It sheds light on a new day the relationship between the two legends of Manchester United, which many believed broke forever.
Rooney reveals the truth about his relationship with Ronaldo
Because unlike the image conveyed at the time, Rooney never experienced a grudge against Ronaldo. On his podcast for the BBC, the former scorer revealed that he had spoken with his teammate
“From the end of the match” In the corridors of the stadium: “I just wished him good luck for the semi-final. »» He even admitted to having tried to obtain the expulsion of the Portuguese earlier in the simulation match: “If I had been able to get it expelled, I would have done it. For 90 minutes, we were rivals. »» An astonishing confession which contrasts with the hatred which had fell on Ronaldo, become the public enemy n ° 1 in England after this famous wink addressed to the Portuguese bench.
Against all expectations, this moment of tension did not weaken their relationship, quite the contrary. Rooney and Ronaldo quickly moved on to the club and even signed one of the most formidable offensive associations in the history of the Premier League. From their first match together after the World Cup, they crushed Fulham 5-1, before chaining three consecutive titles of Champion of England and a Champions League in 2008. Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or that year, while Rooney became the top scorer in the history of Manchester United.
A reinforced friendship after the incident
This story perfectly illustrates the ability of large champions to separate international rivalry and club collaboration. Rooney admits that in selection, all means are good for winning, but that these tensions have to fade once the club jersey has been dressed. This pragmatism has shaped their common success and forged a bond that marked an entire generation. English even confides that this episode brought them closer, each having understood the mentality of the other.
Almost twenty years later, this famous wink now belongs to history, but it continues to fascinate. The Rooney franchise made it possible to rewrite the story of this episode by revealing that he has never started their mutual respect. Their duo will remain as one of the most influential in the Ferguson era, and this incident, far from dividing them, served as a starting point for a mythical collaboration that has changed the fate of Manchester United.
