Former Manchester United defender, Patrick Evra has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo could retire from playing football due to media criticism.
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Evra revealed that he has spoken to Ronaldo since leaving United and told Sky Sports:
‘I don’t know [what he will do next]. Messi is saying he will retire [from the World Cup], but I don’t know if Ronaldo will retire.
‘Sometimes, when you are getting so much criticism, especially at the end of your career, you are like ‘OK, I think it’s time to stop’.
‘That must be a feeling, especially when you are not in the starting XI of your national team, because that is what Cristiano wanted; to play, be fit and to win the World Cup with his country.
The 37-year-old was visibly distressed after Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco
Patrice Evra (right) believes Ronaldo (left) could bring his 20-year career to an end
‘This was his dream; now he doesn’t have that dream. Although I won’t talk for Cristiano, I wouldn’t be surprised if he says he is retiring.
He further stated that;
Now everything Cristiano does he is a ‘bad person’, a ‘bad player’ or whatever. I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to retire.’
Ronaldo’s participation in his fifth and likely final World Cup saw the 37-year-old serial title winner play a bit-part role, finding himself in and out of the starting line-up.
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The now-departed Portugal head coach Fernando Santos opted to rest the veteran attacker, instead opting to hand more minutes to emerging talent Goncalo Ramos.
The European nation were surprisingly eliminated from the World Cup by semi-finalist’s Morocco, with Ronaldo frustrated by his lack of gametime in the Middle East.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently coming under the heaviest criticism of his career following his disastrous ending to his Man United career and reported poor attitude inside the Portugal national team camp.
Former Man United teammate Evra believes Ronaldo could now decide to retire from football
Ronaldo has previously outlined his desire to continue playing into his 40s, revealing in his brazen interview with Piers Morgan that he would like to carry on achieving success at the highest level.
However a reported lack of interest from Europe’s biggest clubs leaves the door open to the possibility of Ronaldo’s 20-year career to its conclusion.
Credit: Ryan Walker
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