Cristiano Ronaldo Told to Retire After Disastrous Start to New Season

• Ex-Italian footballer Antonio Cassano has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from football owing to his recent struggles
• Ronaldo is yet to hit the ground running weeks into the new season, with the forward having just one goal to his name so far
• The 37-year-old has also seen his prominence at both club and country decline, and is no longer a regular starter at Man United

Former Italy forward Antonio Cassano has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to consider hanging his football boots, following his slow start to the new season.

Ronaldo has seen himself play a less prominent role under Erik ten Hag at Man United, with the veteran forward forced to settle for a place on the bench for the better part of the new season.

The 37-year-old has started only one Premier League match for the Red Devils as Ten Hag continues to favour youngsters.

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While his position in the national team is yet to be compromised, there are calls from several quarters for Ronaldo to be dropped after his underwhelming performances during the international break.

The former Real Madrid attacker was on the teamsheet for both of Portugal's Nations League games during the current international break.

However, he was unable to make any impact, as he failed to help his side book a place in the Nations League semis after a slim 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Antonio Cassano wants Ronaldo to retire

With Ronaldo's popularity declining at both national and club level, Cassano contends it is time for the striker to call time on his career.

According to the former Italian footballer, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is no longer hitting his usual standards and therefore risks becoming a regular substitute should he continue playing.

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''At this point, Cristiano should do himself a favour and understand that if you don't reach a certain level, you should close the shop,' Cassano told Cabine Desportiva via the Daily Mail.

"He won everything, he was a phenomenon. Stop! You have to stop or you'll only run into the bench," he added.

Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most international goals scored in men's football, with the forward having an impressive 117 goals to his name.

Mother pleads with FA to properly punish Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo could be in more trouble if the FA hears the call from an angry mother who asked them to punish the forward accordingly for slapping her son's phone.

Ronaldo was charged by the FA a few days ago for the incident after United's away game at Everton last season.

Sarah Kelly, the mother of the autistic fan, asked the FA to hand out more severe punishment to the Portuguese star, saying he can't keep getting away with his 'unacceptable behaviour'.