‘Maybe it's time’ - World Cup winner tells Cristiano Ronaldo to think about retirement amid Man United struggles

27.02.2022 - 07:43 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has encouraged Cristiano Ronaldo to think about retirement.

The Portugal star has netted 15 times in 31 games since his return to Old Trafford, albeit has found the net just once in his last eight Premier League games.

He failed to find the net on Saturday, as United drew 0-0 with Watford as their top four hopes took another hit.

Leboeuf, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, suggested it would be better for the United legend to bow out at the highest level than let his career peter out.

“Do you know what? I think there is a time where you have to think, ‘what do I do with my life and my career?’,” he told ESPN.

“And maybe it's time for Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of his career to wonder and have a discussion with himself, and maybe some of his family, to know what he has to do for the rest of his career, if there is a future in his career.

“I don't want to watch Ronaldo and have pity, because he's been on the top for so many years.”

He added: “I don't want him to be a normal player. He's been an exceptional player for so long.

"I'd prefer him to give up his career at the top instead of maybe trying and play for two or three more years and not being the player that he used to be.”

His comments come after Ronaldo, 37, said he felt he could play on for another “four or five” years.

There have been reports that Ronaldo may leave Old Trafford after just one season if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.

This has been refuted by former teammate Wes Brown who branded him as a “true professional.”

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