CRISTIANO RONALDO should retire while still he’s still ‘at the top’, according to former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
The Manchester United striker has had an underwhelming season since making an emotional return to the club in the summer.
Leboeuf has urged Ronaldo to retire before he becomes a ‘normal’ player
CR7 has scored 15 goals in 29 games in all competitions, but just nine in 22 league games.
Nevertheless the 37-year-old has previously revealed his intentions to continue playing well into his 40’s.
But Leboeuf reckons that could be a step too far.
He told ESPN: “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.”
Leboeuf continued that he would prefer Ronaldo to call it a day while still on top of his game, rather than having to watch him with ‘pity’.
He added: “I don’t want to watch Ronaldo and have pity, because he’s been on the top for so many years.
“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 has scored just one goal in all competitions since the turn of the year.
His strike against Brighton earlier this month ended a SIX game spell without a goal for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
But despite the underwhelming run of form, CR7 is still pleased by his stats for the season.
He’s responded to his critics by saying ‘facts are facts’, and insisting that on paper at least he’s enjoying a good campaign.
