WAYNE Rooney is the best player in the English Premier League.

And he gets this endorsement from none other than his former Manchester United team-mate and reigning Fifa World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo

Following his £80 million ($190m) move to Real Madrid, Ronaldo believes the English forward will emerge from his shadow to cement himself as one of the world's best players.

Ronaldo said: 'The Premier League is a league of amazing talent, but for me the stand-out player is Wayne Rooney.

'His ability is fantastic, but his attitude when he plays football is that he is willing to die for the team.

'He gives everything, and it was a great privilege to play with him.'

And he believes that Rooney's passion will drive United to another league title next year.

He said: 'For me they will still win the Premier League next year, and I hope for a long time to come.'

However, the Portuguese winger admitted his absence would be missed, but said he would be replaced by more world-class talent.

'I am a one-off, but that does not mean Manchester United will not buy world-class players.

'Sir Alex will spend well on big names, I'm sure. He has lost big players before, but has gone on to even more success... Not many players in the world could turn down Manchester United, and I fully expect big names to arrive.'

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