Patrice Evra: 'Cristiano Ronaldo could decide to retire'

Cristiano Ronaldo could decide to retire from football following the disappointing finish to Portugal's 2022 World Cup, according to his former Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra.

The 37-year-old was aiming to lead his country to tournament success in Qatar, and he scored in their competition opener against Ghana, which saw him become the first men's player to register in five World Cups.

However, Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for Portugal's last-16 clash with Switzerland and quarter-final with Morocco, with Fernando Santos's side being eliminated by the latter courtesy of a 1-0 defeat.

The forward is currently searching for a new club, as his contract with Man United was terminated at the end of November following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

However, there is not an obvious suitor for the Portuguese at this stage of proceedings.

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Ronaldo is said to be determined to continue his career in European football, but there is not believed to be an offer on the table at this stage.

Meanwhile, despite being heavily linked with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club's president has suggested that there have been no discussions over a move.

Evra, who enjoyed huge success alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has claimed that the forward could decide to retire from football altogether following a difficult few months.

"When I talk to him I don't speak about what he is doing next, we are talking more about life and family. I don't know. I don't know if Ronaldo will retire," Evra told Sky Sports News.

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"Sometimes when you have got all of those critics, and especially at the end of your career, you are like 'ok, I think it is time to stop'. Especially when you are not in the starting XI with your national team, because Cristiano wanted to play and to be fit.

"To win the World Cup with his country was his dream. Now he doesn't have that dream. I won't talk for Cristiano but I won't be surprised if he says 'I'll retire', because now everything Cristiano Ronaldo does - he's a bad person, he's a bad player whatever. I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to retire."

Ronaldo attempted to leave Man United over the summer due to a desire to continue playing Champions League football, but he ultimately remained with the 20-time English champions.

The striker found it difficult to make his mark in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign, managing just three goals and two assists in 16 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side.

However, he captained Man United on what will go down as his final appearance for the club - the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on November 6.