BEST OF MATES

Still having to explain himself after the World Cup Ronaldo has said that he and Wayne Rooney are good friends.

"After everything that went on Wayne and I are still the best of mates. That has been proved by the way we have played this season," he said.

"Wayne and I are like brothers and what happened at the World Cup has just made our friendship stronger.

"The reaction to him being sent off was very strong. I took quite a lot of stick, but it never bothered me.

"At Manchester everybody was always behind me at all times

"After the game, and Wayne's deserved sending off, we saw each other. He wished me luck and we sent each other texts, just like mates."

He also doesn't mind the hostility he gets at every away game he plays in.

"It's because people think I am a diver that I lost the title of best young player at the World Cup," he offered.

"But it doesn't bother me and I'll just get on with things. Critics should look at the number of kicks I get in a game.

"The taunts just make me want to do better. I like feeling the hostility of a crowd - it means they are afraid of me.

"The World Cup has made me a better player."