It was 2006, the World Cup quarter-finals, England versus Portugal at the Veltins Arena in Germany.
In the 61st minute, Rooney ends up on the end of some pushing, shoving and pulling.
Rooney reacted by stamping on a Portuguese players nuts. The players surrounded the referee demanding action.
One of those was his teammate Ronaldo. He gave United’s number seven a polite shove out of the way.
The England man was sent off for his actions, but then the cameras caught his supposed friend and teammate winking when the red card was issued.
It was not well received by anyone in England, especially those in and around United.
However, all these years later during an interview with The Times, Rooney admits he bore no grudge against CR7. He said:
“There was a clear foul.”
“Referee Horacio Elizondo did nothing and I planted my foot down on Carvalho, it’s one of those moments when you’re not thinking.
“I knew it was a red card. But at that moment I couldn’t believe what Cristiano was doing.”
“If I put myself in his shoes. Would I do the same? Probably.”
“Would I be in the ref’s face to make sure he got sent off? If he deserved the red if it would help us win — yes, no question. I’d do it tomorrow.”