Wayne Rooney, Manchester United legend and former England captain, has generated intense controversy in the football world by casting a vote that many fans consider disrespectful. In a recent “Knock Out” format questionnaire focused on choosing the best “wonderkid” of all time, Rooney prematurely left out two greats: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Recently, on social networks, direct elimination questions to players who must make different choices have gone viral. The protagonist now was the former Manchester United player, who was quite surprised with his decisions, especially for not including either Messi or Ronaldo.
Rooney’s surprising choice that infuriates Messi and Cristiano fans
The final winner of the former footballer’s peculiar poll was Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, whom Rooney chose as the best young talent ever seen on the pitch.
The game was played on the Daily Mail’s social media accounts and Rooney justified his final choice. “R9. An iconic player and especially when he was young as well,” was Rooney’s response to crowning the Brazilian over all others.
What really surprised and irritated fans was the way Messi and Ronaldo were eliminated in the early rounds of the quiz, which focused on who showed the most potential in their youth. In the game, Rooney chose Owen over Messi and Mbappe over Ronaldo, something that ignited debate on social media and indicates that in football there are tastes for everyone.
Rooney clarifies his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Rooney’s vote comes shortly after he and Cristiano Ronaldo became embroiled in a public exchange of views. Rooney has been a supporter of Messi’s superiority, a fact that he says has led people to believe that he “hates” his former Manchester United teammate.
“People think I hate (Cristiano) Ronaldo. I love him. I think he’s an absolute genius and what he’s doing is incredible. I love Cristiano and I loved playing with him,” Rooney said, adding that his preference for Messi is because the Argentine had a little more in the way he faced players.
Rooney and Ronaldo were Champions League winners at United and there was much speculation that they did not get along, but this was denied by the English striker himself.