Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo urged to have ‘discussion’ about retiring this summer
Speaking to ESPN (h/t Express), Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider retirement at the end of the season while he is still at the top by former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf.
Ronaldo was last seen in Man United’s 0-0 dismal draw against Watford in the Premier League, as the Portugal skipper was guilty of missing chances and failing to make an impact as the side dropped two precious points at home.
Leboeuf, who won two FA Cups with Chelsea, said that he would prefer to watch Ronaldo retire now while at the height of his powers than play for a few more years and turn into a shadow of the player he once was.
“I don’t want to watch Ronaldo and have pity, because he’s been on the top for so many years.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 hit the post in the first half and then failed to put away other chances that came his way, as Man United’s forwards failed to find the back of the net despite dominating against the Hornets. This result may impact their quest for Champions League football next season, with the side only having a slender lead in fourth place against other teams.
“Have a discussion with himself”
The former Real Madrid man cannot be blamed for the draw himself, as his Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes was equally at fault for not firing his side ahead. Anthony Elanga, who was United’s hero in midweek, was unable to find the net as well.
Leboeuf said that it may be time for the ex-Juventus star to consider retirement at the end of the season and have discussions about his future, in whatever role he takes up next. Ronaldo himself has not hinted at retiring anytime soon.
“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.”
Having turned 37 this year, the forward has not shown signs of slowing down anytime soon as he continues to supply the goals for club and country. The past 2 months have seen Ronaldo go through a minor goal drought, but he cannot be written off so soon based on recent form.
He is still a physical specimen and turning up for every game in the Premier League, hardly taking any time off or being injured. The Portugal international is known for always keeping himself in pristine condition, and is likely to continue to do so in the near future.
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The summer is expected to see much transfer activity, with a new permanent manager coming in at Old Trafford. The squad may see a rebuild based on what the new boss wants, but whoever that may be, they would love to call upon Ronaldo’s services next season.
Man United supporters will love to see the fan favourite beyond the summer as well. Thus far, Ronaldo has not spoken about retiring at the end of the season, but only time will tell where the Portuguese superstar will end up ahead of the new campaign.
