Cristiano Ronaldo laughed off former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney's jibe about Portugal. The England striker said he would be pleased if Portugal failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Ronaldo and Rooney's relationship was famously tested during their United days when the Portugal winger winked after the England striker's red card in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup.
"I am sure he was joking," said Ronaldo about the remarks.
"He is a good friend of mine and he knows Portugal are a top team. He played a few times against us and never won. But I am sure he was joking as he has friends here (in the Portugal squad)."
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz, who coached both men at Old Trafford, said: "Knowing him (Rooney), I know why he said that; it's because it shows his respect for Portuguese football and Ronaldo particularly."
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