Cristiano Ronaldo broke friendship with Man Utd prank partner after THIS

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are two names largely associated with Manchester United's most recent golden era.

With Ronaldo signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and Rooney arriving at Carrington from Everton a year later, both players rose as exceptional talents around the same time, according to Manchester Evening News.

As Rooney went on to become the club's all-time leading goal-scorer, Ronaldo won a Ballon d'Or during his six-year stint at United.

During their five seasons together at Old Trafford, their chemistry was evident both on and off the pitch. This was the same place where they led games and played pranks on Sir Alex Ferguson as well as their more serious teammates.

However, the partnership finished when the 39-year-old Ronaldo made a record move to Real Madrid in 2009.

Their friendship at United experienced ups and downs. 

After a 20-year-old Rooney stamped on defender Ricardo Carvalho's groin, the 2006 World Cup quarter-final between England and Portugal proved a hurdle, reported the Mirror.

In an attempt to sway the referee, Ronaldo rushed over to protest as his club teammate was sent off. 

This resulted in leaving an infuriated Rooney to shove Ronaldo, who sparked more outrage by winking at his bench.