EPL: Ronaldo is not the player he was at 23 – Rooney makes honest confession

DC United boss, Wayne Rooney has said his former Manchester United team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo, is no longer the player he was at 22 or 23.

Rooney has now urged Ronaldo to be patient after losing his place in the starting XI under new manager Erik ten Hag.

The 37-year-old has only made one Premier League start so far this season and Rooney thinks he will be finding it tough sitting on the bench.

“Cristiano… him and Messi are two of the greatest players to ever play the game, but ultimately time catches up with us all.

“He’s obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for instance.

“It’s a tough one for him. Knowing him, it’ll be very difficult for him to sit on the bench. I’m sure if he stays patient, his chance will come and, again, it’s then obviously him taking those chances and trying to force his way back in,” Rooney told reporters.