Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has offered high praise for the iconic attacking partnership of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, reflecting on the dominant era they helped forge at Old Trafford.
Speaking in a recent interview, as reported by TalkSport, the Bulgarian detailed the almost telepathic understanding that existed between the two forwards, alongside himself and Carlos Tevez.
Berbatov, who joined the club in 2008, witnessed first-hand the synergy of the United front line that delivered numerous trophies, including the Champions League.
The former forward noted that deep friendship is not a prerequisite for footballing success, emphasising that quality players simply possess an innate understanding on the pitch, allowing them to connect instantly in high-pressure situations.
“There are people in some teams that don’t speak to each other off the pitch but when they are on it they understand each other so well that you think they sleep together.
Sometimes you don’t need to talk to someone, good players understand each other,” Berbatov stated, highlighting the level of instinctive play the partnership achieved.
Berbatov also singled out Ronaldo’s dedication as a key factor in his monumental success. He often uses the Portugal captain as an example for young players aspiring to reach the top level of the game.
He insisted that Ronaldo’s global stature was earned through relentless sacrifice and hard work, not just natural talent.
“I tell them that his success didn’t happen in an instant, he was in training first, leaving last, swimming and going to the gym. He was doing all he could to become the best. He wanted to be No 1 and he did,” Berbatov revealed.
This commitment, he suggested, was the foundation of the era’s success, where the collective effort of him, Ronaldo, and Rooney created one of Europe’s most feared attacks.