Ex-teammate of Ronaldo makes shock prediction on star’s future

The January transfer window opens in a fortnight, allowing clubs from across England to delve into the market and bolster their squads. 

Some clubs will be more eagerly anticipating the window opening, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea expected to be particularly active in the new year.

The Blues have started the Premier League season in dire form and will likely look to source reinforcements in a bid to turn their fortunes around, while The Red Devils will be looking to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual consent last month.

The Portugal international hasn’t yet found a new club, and he was pictured in tears following Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco, a game that is almost certain to have been the player’s last in the competition.

A number of clubs have been linked with a move for the 37-year-old ever since his desire to leave the club was revealed, but he is so far yet to secure a move.

Now, one of Ronaldo’s former teammates has suggested that the multiple Ballon d’Or winner could even retire.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Patrice Evra claimed that Ronaldo is likely considering calling time on his illustrious career.

“I don’t know if Ronaldo will retire because sometimes when you’ve got all those critics, especially at the end of your career, you’re like ‘okay, I think it’s time to stop”, Evra told Sky.

Portugal’s defeat to Morocco was likely Ronaldo’s last ever World Cup appearance

“Especially, when you’re not (in the) starting XI for your national team, because that’s why Cristiano wanted to play and to be fit.

“To win the World Cup with his country – this was his dream, and now that dream is gone. I won’t talk for Cristiano but I wouldn’t be surprised if he retires.”

Evra spent three years playing alongside Ronaldo for Manchester United, before the Portugal international left to join Real Madrid in 2009.

Ronaldo started all three of Portugal’s group stage games at the World Cup in Qatar, but was only used from the bench during the knockout stages after reportedly upsetting manager Fernando Santos.

The ex-Juventus man has scored a total of 701 club goals throughout his career, as well as 118 for Portugal.

The 37-year-old has struggled to attract potential suitors though, likely due to a combination of his age and his staggering wage demands.

Ronaldo has reportedly received at least one lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club, and it was rumoured earlier this month that he had signed an £800,000-per-week deal to join Al-Nassr, although that doesn’t appear to be the case.