16 December 2023 , 08:00
409
0
Cristiano Ronaldo may have got embroiled in a war of words with Wayne Rooney in 2022 - but he still included the England icon up front with Karim Benzema in his dream XI.
The pair formed a famous partnership during Ronaldo's first stint at Manchester United, helping the club land the 2008 Champions League title amid a trophy-laden era. But relations appeared strained after Rooney criticised the Portuguese star for his appearance at Piers Morgan Uncensored in late 2022, which led to his acrimonious departure second time around.
Ronaldo responded by suggesting Rooney was jealous of his longevity. But he clearly still rates his playing career, given the selection when the 38-year-old named his best XI of players he had lined up alongside in an interview with .
The 38-year-old's team was also unsurprisingly laced with Real Madrid stars, with Iker Casillas named in goal. His back four had other Real teammates in Sergio Ramos and Marcelo as full backs, with United's Rio Ferdinand and Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiellini the centre backs.
His three-man midfield also appears formidable. Another former Red Devil in Paul Scholes was named, alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, with both veterans still plying their trade at the Bernabeu.
Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Rooney and Benzema - who like Ronaldo is now playing in the Saudi Pro League - are joined in a three-pronged attack by Gareth Bale. The Welshman eclipsed Ronaldo as the Spanish club's record signing when he joined Real for £85million in 2013.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney during their playing spell with Manchester United (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT? Comment below.
Just as notable as the inclusions is the star-studded list of omissions. As well as snubbing himself, the likes of Pepe, who Ronaldo played with for both club and country, Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs all miss out. And fans were denied the intriguing prospect of the five-time Champions League winner naming his choice of manager.
Ronaldo himself may still lay claim to be among the elite, having scored his 50th goal of the calendar year on Monday night. He struck in Al-Nassr's 5-2 win over Al-Shabab in the Kings Cup of Champions.
And international football's record scorer continues to be an integral part of the Portugal set-up, having played a lead role in their Euro 2024 qualification. He currently tops the goalscoring charts in Saudi with 16 this season, two clear of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Ronaldo's dream XI: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Rio Ferdinand, Giorgio Chiellini, Marcelo; Toni Kroos Luka Modric, Paul Scholes; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Wayne Rooney