Rooney wants Ronaldo to crash out of 2010 World Cup

London, Oct.9 (ANI): England forward Wayne Rooney wants former Manchester United mate and Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo to crash out of the World Cup.

The Sun quoted Rooney as saying: "It'd be nice to see Portugal not there because, in the last two tournaments, they've knocked us out."

Ronaldo, who has now switched to Real Madrid, had a spat with Rooney at the 2006 World Cup that resulted in Rooney being sent off in the quarter-final against Portugal. At that time, Ronaldo gave his bench a sleazy wink.

The Portuguese went on to beat the Three Lions on penalties - just as they had in the last eight of Euro 2004.

A finals tournament without World Player of the Year Ronaldo - as well as No 2 Lionel Messi, whose Argentina side are also struggling to qualify - would suit Rooney down to the ground.

Roo will enjoy revenge should Portugal blow it - after the lip Ronaldo gave him after England missed out on Euro 2008.

He said: "When we didn't qualify for Euro 2008, we got a lot of stick. You have banter with your team-mates but it's important not to go too far because it's an important issue." (ANI)