Cristiano Ronaldo would be wise to call time on his career in the near future, in order to avoid becoming a “pity” to watch, according to Frank Lebeouf.
Ronaldo turned 37 years old earlier this month but remains under contract with Manchester United until June 2023.
He has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances since rejoining the club from Juventus in the summer and shows no signs of nearing the end of his career.
Ronaldo has frequently shown his frustrations on the pitch this season – and it was a similar story in United’s 0-0 draw with relegation-threatened Watford on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese forward struck the woodwork and had a goal ruled out for offside, but appears determined to fight for United until the end of the campaign.
That is despite former Chelsea defender Lebeouf’s contention that he has reached the stage of his life when he should seriously consider stepping back from playing.
Lebeouf 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."
"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."
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There has been much debate over Ronaldo’s contributions for United this season, especially since Ralf Rangnick’s arrival to take over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Ronaldo’s supposed lack of pressing has frequently been highlighted as evidence that he is slowing down due to his age.
But the man himself has rejected the narrative around his performances by insisting he is happy with his form.
"The facts are facts, the rest is not. It doesn't matter at all. That's why I'm very happy with my form,” Ronaldo said.
"I'm still scoring goals, helping people, both in the national team and at Manchester United, and that's why I want to continue like this.
"I started playing at the top level at 18, and I've been at the top of the game for 15-16 years.
"It's my dedication, my passion, my ambition to be working hard all the time.
"This is why I continue to be at the top of the world in terms of performance, trophies, goals and records."
