What a day today is for the English football & media. After a hot summer, the Portuguese that made England's life a living hell during the World Cup quarterfinals is back in training with Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo must be one of the most hated players in England right now. Since most of the media thinks that he was the one causing Rooney's elimination in the world Cup game, he might very well be declared "persona non grata" within the English Premiership.

Still, both Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson defended him, saying that it was natural for Ronaldo to do all that he could in order for his team to advance in the WC semifinals. But the English fans didn't quite get it. His residence in Manchester was vandalized by a group of supporters and one of his nieces was attacked on the streets of Manchester a few days ago.

Still, starting today, Ronaldo will have to get used to it. The death threats and booing will be, much likely, his new domain of expertise. If we think about it, history is on his side, since most of the Man U idols - Beckam, Cantona, etc - had to go through that "purgatory" during the last 2 decades.

Today, Rooney arrived earlier at training. According to BBC sports, he was greeted by an autograph hunter wearing Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt. It is yet to see if an official truce between the two will solve the problems Ronaldo has with the English fans. Most likely, that's not going to happen. Still, the WC quarterfinal's referee - argentine Elizondo - gave Ronaldo a little help.

"Rooney was complaining all the time, always coming close to you and saying referee this, referee that; protests and more protests. He reminded me of my kids", said the Argentine. Still, he did not say that this was the reason for his elimination.