Rooney can rule the world, says Ronaldo

LONDON - Ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo has finally accepts that his behaviour during that World Cup quarter-final in 2006 leading to suspension of Wayne Rooney was unacceptable, and added that he is leaving behind a player who is destined to join him on the top table of footballing greats.

Ronaldo admits he should not have acted in the way he did on that fateful night in Gelsenkirchen, that Wayne Rooney can challenge him for the title of best player on the planet and that the England striker can lead his country to World Cup success next summer.

The Portuguese striker believes the fall-out and furore that followed his flagrant show of sneakiness turned out to be the defining period of his career with Manchester United.

Ronaldo insists he bears no ill will towards Wayne Rooney, News of the World reported.

“Without a doubt, he can become the best player in the world. There are lots of players who are a delight to watch but how many make it look as easy as him?

“We had a great relationship and that is the sort of quality of player you want to be playing with. In training, he can volley a ball from 30 yards away and miss your head by one inch every time,” Ronaldo said.

“It might not sound a big thing but that is how accurate he is all the time. He will be one of the world’s best for many years. The natural talent is there but he cares as well and will never give up,” he added.

Ronaldo believes a fit and healthy Rooney can help finally end England’s World Cup anguish. “When you have players like Rio, Wayne, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, you always have a chance. Is England the favourites? No. Spain is. But there will be six or seven other teams that think they can win the World Cup and England are one of them.”

“So much of England’s success is down to Wayne Rooney though. He is your special player and if he shines in South Africa then you have every chance,” Ronaldo said. (ANI)