Cristiano Ronaldo Has Been Asked To Retire, Aged 37, At The Top
Cristiano Ronaldo has been asked to consider retirement by former France and Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
The Manchester United striker returned to Old Trafford last summer and is regarded as one of the greatest players ever, having won five Ballon d'Or awards.
He's scored 15 goals in 29 appearances this season but at 37-years-old, Leboeuf thinks it's time for 'CR7' to start winding his career down.
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The World Cup winner told ESPN FC: "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?”
"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."
Ronaldo's goal record can't be disputed, but many believe his style of play is starting to hold United back.
He's been substituted a number of times under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and regularly cuts a frustrated figure on the bench.
Leboeuf continued: "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."
Ronaldo started in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League but failed to make an impact.
It's all to play for in next month's return leg however as Anthony Elanga's late strike cancelled out Joao Felix's first-half header.
Atletico were the better side throughout and hit the bar twice, once after Sime Vrsaljko's header hit Victor Lindelof and once through an Antoine Griezmann effort.
But Rangnick made key changes late in the game and one of those was Elanga, who scored his fourth goal of the season.
The teenager is quickly becoming a fan favourite and has seized the opportunity given by Rangnick.
Elanga was keen to leave on loan in January, but Rangnick informed him he'd be a part of the first-team set-up.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League
Daniel Marland