Ronaldo: Rooney Row Made Me

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo admits he came of age as a footballer after his World Cup row with teammate Wayne Rooney.

Referring to the famous match in which he had a hand in having Rooney sent off, Ronaldo told Hello! Magazine: "After the match, I was criticised and whistled at.

"It was not very pleasant but it did me some good. With this I grew wiser and it helped me to mature. I insist that Rooney is a good friend by whose side it is a pleasure and a honour to play, and he and I exchanged text messages just after that game with England, as well as the next day."

He added: "I feel privileged the British people have taken me to their hearts. The best thing about Britain is the people - they are fair. When you do well, they say so. When not so well, they say so."