Frank Lebeouf thinks it is time for Cristiano Ronaldo to hang up his boots and end his career while on top of his game.
It has been a bizarre season for Manchester United, who were heavily tipped to achieve great success this term. Their astute business last summer was praised by many, and the arrival of top-level stars made them instant challengers on all fronts.
Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and then Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at the club, making them one of the favourites for the Premier League title. Instead, they are now sitting in fourth place, with West Ham United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and even Wolverhampton Wanderers breathing down their neck.
Their disappointing draw with Watford added further pressure on their position, and the blame was pinned on their players. Ronaldo is one man the media and pundits have specifically targeted for his lack of goals since the turn of the year.
Pundits such as Jamie Carragher stated the club should never have signed the Portuguese legend in the first place. This criticism comes after suggestions of Ronaldo disrupting the team’s structure and rendering them slow to progress. Moreover, the striker’s reported bust-ups with teammates caused further uncertainty within the fanbase
Ronaldo recently insisted he aims to keep playing for a few more years before he thinks of retiring from the game altogether. At 37, some believe it may be time to hang up his boots as the Portuguese international’s presence may disrupt Manchester United’s development and progress due to his stature and reputation.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Lebeouf has insisted Ronaldo should hang up his boots now and leave when he is still at the top of his game. Lebeouf appeared on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel, stating he finds it hard to see the Portuguese superstar struggle and hence he should consider retirement as soon as possible.
Lebeouf said, “Do you know what? I think there is a time when you have to think, ‘What do I do with my life and 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.”
In reality, the entire Manchester United squad has been disappointing, from their defence to the attackers. Ronaldo incidentally remains the club’s highest scorer in the Premier League and Champions League, netting a combined 15 goals.
Ronaldo has a contract until 2023; however, he may consider changing plans or clubs depending upon where Manchester United finish this season. Surely he will not want to play in the Europa League or Conference League after winning the Champions League five times during his illustrious career.
