Brazilian legend Ronaldo says Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is 'one of the best strikers in the world'

Some news to cheers Rooney up after Sunday's 3-0 battering by Liverpool

James Orr
Monday 17 March 2014 17:40 GMT
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Ronaldo (left) and Wayne Rooney
Ronaldo (left) and Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

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Wayne Rooney may be nursing his wounds today after Manchester United's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday, but here is something to cheer him up.

The 28-year-old has received a glowing endorsement from the original Brazilian Ronaldo, the record goalscorer in World Cup history, who has called him "one of the best strikers in the world".

In an interview with rwdfootball.com, Ronaldo said about Rooney: "I think he's a fantastic player who scored wonderful goals both for the English team and Manchester United. So I think he’s one of the best strikers in the world."

Ronaldo, now 37, was quick to agree that England can produce top-level players, using Rooney and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as recent examples of English football flourishing.

"I believe there are players here that are already at that high level, players like [Steven] Gerrard in Liverpool, [Wayne] Rooney from Manchester United. They are part of that league of high-class players."

Ronaldo has been living in London, taking a different career path after retiring form the sport in 2011. He has been undertaking an internship at one of the world's biggest advertising companies WPP, working alongside its chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell.

While living in England, Ronaldo must have watched plenty of the Premier League, and singled out Chelsea's Eden Hazard as one players he has most enjoyed to see in full flight.

"He’s a very good player and seems to be doing a wonderful job in Chelsea. His hat trick performance [against Newcastle United] gave him more confidence. He’s very young but very talented so am sure he will do well at the World Cup."

Watch the full interview at rwdmag.com/football

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