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Ronaldo: Wayne and I are mates

Cristiano Ronaldo claims his World Cup bust-up with Wayne Rooney has made their friendship stronger.

Ronaldo enraged many supporters with his perceived goading of Rooney during the World Cup, with many holding him directly responsible for the striker's red card against Portugal and England's subsequent exit from the tournament.

"After everything that went on Wayne and I are still the best of mates. That has been proved by the way we have played this season," he said.

"Wayne and I are like brothers and what happened at the World Cup has just made our friendship stronger.

"The reaction to him being sent off was very strong. I took quite a lot of stick, but it never bothered me.

"At Manchester everybody was always behind me at all times

"After the game, and Wayne's deserved sending off, we saw each other. He wished me luck and we sent each other texts, just like mates."

Ronaldo has also been accused of diving, but he claims to feed on the resentment of opposition supporters.

"It's because people think I am a diver that I lost the title of best young player at the World Cup," he offered.

"But it doesn't bother me and I'll just get on with things. Critics should look at the number of kicks I get in a game.

"The taunts just make me want to do better. I like feeling the hostility of a crowd - it means they are afraid of me.

"The World Cup has made me a better player."