Joey Barton has claimed that Wayne Rooney is not world class and has failed to truly kick on since his Everton days.
Barton, speaking to Clive Woodward for the BBC, says he is a massive fan of the Manchester United striker but that he pales in comparison to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
“Look at his approach and mentality compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’s. Polar opposites,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.
The 31-year-old added: “Rooney potentially, could have been world class. But why is Ronaldo a Ballon d’Or winner and Rooney isn’t?
“Players who have worked with both say the level of discipline Ronaldo has is the reason he is the best player in the world.
“When you see Rooney smoking cigarettes,” Barton continued, “is he doing everything he can to be the best player in the world? The gulf is getting wider but if it was on talent alone, Rooney is a better player than him.”
After his comments were published, Barton inevitably took to Twitter to explain how it was all a big fuss over nothing.
I feel I am nothing but complimentary to @WayneRooney As I said its all about context not headlines. http://t.co/P7BJJX5WNO
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 3, 2014
Now shall I tell you what World Class is for me. Ronaldo and Messi. Iniesta and Suarez. WC is a term thrown about far too often.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 3, 2014
Maybe Wayne was has been in WC bracket before. I would have to say now he isn’t. Why? Well it isn’t for the lack of talent IMO.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 3, 2014
I would have to argue that he has not been better since he broke on the scene at Everton. For me thats when he stopped developing or just..
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 3, 2014
…afterwards. As I say, he is a top player. My favourite of the current bunch. Love watching him. Old school. But not World Class IMO.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 3, 2014
