Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Wayne Rooney: Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi, says Manchester United captain

Real Madrid forward has 'certainly' overtaken Barcelona star, says former team-mate

Tom Sheen
Thursday 06 November 2014 18:10 GMT
Comments
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrate winning the Premiership title at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrate winning the Premiership title at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo is now the undisputed best player in the world.

Rooney, who won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Ronaldo during their time at Old Trafford, backed his former team-mate over four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.

The Argentine equalled Raul's Champions League goalscoring record on Wednesday night, with his 71st strike in the competition, but Rooney says Ronaldo - who is the odds-on favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or - has surpassed his rival.

"I think so," Rooney told MUTV when asked if he thought Ronaldo would win the award for a third time.

Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d'Or he won last year
Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d'Or he won last year (Getty Images)

"He’s had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world.

"I’m sure it’ll be difficult to give it to anyone else."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in