Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted his fault in a training ground altercation that led to a young Cristiano Ronaldo crying. Former Manchester United player Louis Saha, speaking in 2019, recalled the argument that took place during a training session between the two superstars:
"Ruud had that kind of ego: he wanted all the passes," Saha told FourFourTwo. "And sometimes, for the development of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, it was difficult for the manager to deal with."
"Did Ruud make Ronaldo cry? Yeah, there were stories because I think they ended up in an argument at the moment when Cristiano’s father had passed away, so it wasn’t the right moment. Things like that happen when two players have lots of spirit, but I’m sure Ruud regrets some of his words."
In interview on Rio Ferdinand presents Five, Van Nistelrooy reflected on the incident and admitted that he was wrong. He also expressed his willingness to apologize at the time:
“I immediately walked into the dressing room and sat next to him and apologised for my behaviour when I calmed down.
“That frustration is coming from somewhere and now when you’re 44 you look back and when things happen around you in your private life, it can make you frustrated. ‘It led to a discussion with Cristiano but you have to be big enough to acknowledge that.”
