Cantona: Man United Legend Hands Ronaldo Brutal Reality Check, Tells Him to Learn From Ibrahimovic

• Eric Cantona gave Cristiano Ronaldo a reality check as the 37-year-old begins a new chapter
• The outspoken Manchester United legend told the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to 'act his age'
• Cantona wants the Al-Nassr striker to take a leaf out of the books of Giggs and Ibrahimovic

Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to accept he is no longer 25, calling on the Portuguese star to follow in the footsteps of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ryan Giggs.

Cantona, who called time on his career just before turning 31, further urged the new Al-Nassr signing to accept his age and act accordingly.

The former France international went a notch higher with his advice, suggesting the 37-year-old should draw inspiration from Giggs and Ibrahimovic in the latter stages of their respective careers.

In an interview with Calciomercato, the famously outspoken Cantona - who won the Premier League on four occasions during his five-year spell with Man United - said:

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"There are two types of veterans: those who want to play every game because they still think they’re 25, and those who realise they’re not 25 and are here to help young players. They know they won’t play every game, but they’re aware that they’ll have their moment."

Cantona singled out Ibrahimovic and Giggs, as well as the legendary Paolo Maldini, for being experienced players who helped shape new players.

"Ronaldo doesn’t realise he’s not 25 years old. He’s already older and doesn’t know that. Instead of being unhappy about not having played all the time, he should accept the situation.”

Cantona admires Giggs and Maldini

Sports Brief earlier reported that hot-tempered Manchester United hero, Cantona has revealed the two football legends that he most admires.

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The legendary striker played for eight different clubs during his successful football career, including a defining period at the Theatre of Dreams.

Cantona joined the Red Devils in 1992 from Leeds United, with the Elland Road-based club opting to cash in on him due to his notorious temperament.