Cristiano Ronaldo finally accepts that his infamous wink, which followed Wayne Rooney's sending off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final, was unacceptable.
There are some inside Old Trafford who believe that Ronaldo's relationship with Rooney was never the same after that cynical cameo in Germany.
"Sometimes you do things because emotions are running high but Wayne is my good friend," Ronaldo told News Of The World.
"I can't regret it because I think the whole experience made me stronger.
"But looking back it was not the right thing to do and not something I would do any more."
He added: "I have done a lot of growing up since then. Coming back from the World Cup in 2006 was very hard but ultimately it was a good thing.
"The boss said the experience could make me stronger if I handled it in the right way. And the outcome of that prediction goes to show why you don't question Sir Alex Ferguson."
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The Real Madrid-bound star got involved in a tussle with Rooney after the stamp on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, before winking at his bench after the England striker had been red-carded.
There are some inside Old Trafford who believe that Ronaldo's relationship with Rooney was never the same after that cynical cameo in Germany.
"Sometimes you do things because emotions are running high but Wayne is my good friend," Ronaldo told News Of The World.
"I can't regret it because I think the whole experience made me stronger.
"But looking back it was not the right thing to do and not something I would do any more."
He added: "I have done a lot of growing up since then. Coming back from the World Cup in 2006 was very hard but ultimately it was a good thing.
"The boss said the experience could make me stronger if I handled it in the right way. And the outcome of that prediction goes to show why you don't question Sir Alex Ferguson."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
