Former Manchester United icon [Wayne Rooney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Rooney) has publicly condemned the manner in which [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo) left the Portugal national squad earlier this month, describing the episode as “wrong in every sense” from a footballing perspective. He argued that the star’s decision undermines both the coach and his teammates, and reflects a poor handling of the end of his international career.
Ronaldo quit the Portugal side after a clash with manager [Jorge Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Jesus), claiming the coach failed to keep promises made to him. In a detailed statement, the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner apologised to teammates and fans, and said he would accept any sanction from the [Portuguese Football Association](https://www.fpf.pt). The federation later issued a provisional suspension pending further investigation.
Speaking on the ‘The Stick to United’ podcast, Rooney said: "He’s a great player, but walking out of the Portugal squad and then releasing that statement is simply wrong. To undermine your manager and your teammates in that way is unacceptable from a footballing point of view."
He added that Ronaldo appears to be struggling with the reality that his international career is drawing to a close, which he believes is driving the controversial behaviour. Rooney warned that dictating press‑conference remarks to a coach is a level of conduct he has never witnessed before.