He said: “After everything that went on Wayne and I are still the best of mates. That has been proved by the way we have played this season.
“Wayne and I are like brothers and what happened at the World Cup has just made our friendship stronger.
“The reaction to him being sent off was very strong. I took quite a lot of stick, but it never bothered me.
“At Manchester everybody was always behind me at all times
“After the game, and Wayne’s deserved sending off, we saw each other. He wished me luck and we sent each other texts, just like mates.”
