Thierry Henry accused of having 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo 19 years on from heated incident

Thierry Henry accused of having 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo 19 years on from heated incident

WATCH NOW: Cristiano Ronaldo performs obscene gesture in Saudi Arabia

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/03/2024

- 08:56

The duo are both regarded as two of the best footballers in Premier League history

Rio Ferdinand believes both Thierry Henry and the Brazilian Ronaldo have 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano is still going strong as he approaches the twilight years of his career, with the 39-year-old currently strutting his stuff for Al-Nassr.


Such is his longevity, however, the veteran actually played against Henry during his first spell at United.

Tempers flared between the pair in 2005 during a heated match at Highbury, with the Red Devils winning 4-2.

Thierry Henry Cristiano Ronaldo

Thierry Henry has been accused of having 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo

GETTY

Cristiano scored twice that night but clashed with Henry on the same night when Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane famously clashed in the tunnel.

Ferdinand, speaking on his Five podcast, says the Brazilian Ronaldo has 'beef' with Cristiano.

And he also feels it's a similar story with Henry, too.

"There's beef there somewhere you know. It's cause of the name," he said.

"I think because of the name, as if he says, 'You took my name,' so I have a problem with you."

Co-presenter Stephen Howson then reacted by saying: "Because he was Ronaldo, wasn't he.

"Then Cristiano comes along and everyone is referring to him as the 'fat Ronaldo' which is disrespectful."

And Ferdinand then mentioned Henry, saying: "It's the same with Thierry [Henry]. Thierry is the same.

"The way I see Thierry talk about Cristiano, it's more what he doesn't say. He doesn't talk about him with any zest or spark.

"It's like he's downplaying Cristiano a lot.

"There was a clip at Highbury when Henry slaps him on the back of his head or something like that and Cristiano pushes him off.

"Cristiano then scored the winner and Henry's taking the kick-off with the goalscorer in the background.

"There seems like there's a little bit of a subplot story that maybe makes it with Thierry and it's probably still in his mind in moments like that."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is hoping to play in the European Championships in the summer.

The Portugal international previously won the trophy in 2016 and would love another crack at glory before hanging up his boots.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Cristiano Ronaldo Thierry Henry

Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry clashed while playing for Man Utd and Arsenal back in 2005

GETTY

But defender Joao Cancelo, speaking last week, claimed Ronaldo was past his prime.

He said: "He is an important player and spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the peak of a footballer’s career is between the ages of 25 and 32.

"He is an important player for us, but the national team does not depend entirely on him.”

Rio Ferdinand Cristiano Ronaldo

Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo won silverware galore during their time at Man Utd

GETTY

Ronaldo could be involved when Portugal face off against Slovenia on Tuesday night.

Roberto Martinez's side will go into the match on a high after a 5-2 victory over Sweden on Thursday.

Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Bruma and Goncalo Ramos were all on target.

You may like