Wayne Rooney Reveals His Biggest Career Regret Involving Cristiano Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney Reveals His Biggest Career Regret Involving Cristiano Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney has finally opened up about what he calls the biggest regret of his entire football career — and it involves none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former England captain, who featured in three World Cups, admitted he should never have played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Despite his determination to represent his country, Rooney was far from full fitness after suffering a metatarsal injury just a month before the tournament.

Unfortunately, his campaign ended in heartbreak during the quarter-final clash against Portugal, where he was sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho — with Cristiano Ronaldo famously seen winking after the incident.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC, the Manchester United legend confessed:

“I regret going to the World Cup 2006 probably. I weren’t fit, I shouldn’t have went and then it ended with getting a red card. If I went back, I probably wouldn’t go.”

That moment not only haunted Rooney but also caused tension between him and Ronaldo — though the two went on to form one of the most feared attacking duos in Premier League history at Manchester United.

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How Rooney-Ronaldo Partnership Almost Never Happened

Interestingly, Rooney revealed that his move to Manchester United nearly didn’t happen at all. In 2004, Newcastle United made a strong bid to sign him, and had the Red Devils not stepped in, Rooney admits he would have joined the Magpies.

“I would have certainly went to Newcastle,” Rooney said. “Manchester United wanted to wait a season, Newcastle put a bid in, and if United hadn’t come in, I would have gone there.”

He even joked about his first chat with legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson, saying:

“He called me ‘Mark’ on the phone — that’s my middle name! I didn’t know if he’d forgotten my name or if he was a genius.”

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Rooney Claims He Was Faster Than Ronaldo

Despite Ronaldo’s reputation for blistering pace, Rooney insists he was actually quicker — at least over short distances.

“We’d done tests over 30 yards and I was topping that. Owen Hargreaves was second. Cristiano was rapid with the ball, though. Some players seem quicker when dribbling.”

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Rooney On Ronaldo’s Legacy: “He’ll Hit 1,000 Goals”

While Rooney retired in 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age with Portugal and Al-Nassr. The Englishman believes his former teammate will achieve his goal of 1,000 career goals before retirement.

“One hundred percent. He’s not retiring before he hits that. And I’m sure over the next couple of years, he’ll even play alongside his son. That’s huge for him.”

From fiery clashes to mutual respect, the Rooney-Ronaldo story remains one of football’s most fascinating partnerships — defined by rivalry, redemption, and records.

At Sports Market International, we celebrate not just the game, but the untold stories, rivalries, and reflections that make football more than a sport — it’s a legacy.