Cristiano Ronaldo's role in Tom Brady's NFL retirement u-turn as footage emerges

Cristiano Ronaldo asked Tom Brady if he really was ready to call time on his NFL career 24 hours before the legendary quarterback reversed his retirement decision.

The 44-year-old has enjoyed a Hall of Fame career across the Atlantic.

He retired from the sport after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to defend their title following a play-off defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.

It looked to be it for arguably the sport's greatest ever player, but he announced on Sunday night that he was coming back, just six weeks after calling time on his career.

He said: "These past two months I've realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it's not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG".

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Brady spent Saturday night in Manchester as he was in the stands at Old Trafford, accompanied by his two sons.

He watched on as Cristiano Ronaldo, another man credited with defying his age, scored a hat-trick in a crucial win against Tottenham that bolstered their top four ambitions.

After the game the pair shared some words on the pitch.

Ronaldo tweeted a picture of the pair with the caption: "Always a pleasure and a privilege to share some thoughts and ideas with another GOAT…"

Now footage has emerged of the duo's conversation in which the United star says: "You're finished right?"

Brady refused to say yes and gestures as if he is unsure about his decision.

After the announcement was made the Buccaneers, who are owned by United's owners, the Glazers, tweeted: "He's baaackkkk."

Brady won six Super Bowls rings during his lengthy career with the New England Patriots. The first of those coming in 2001 with the final one in 2018.

He moved to Florida and helped Tampa win the Super Bowl in their own stadium in his first season, seeing off the Kansas City Chiefs.

During his career Brady led the NFL in most yards passed (84,250) and in most touchdown passes (624).

Brady had originally claimed his decision to retire was motivated by his family. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and their three children.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians had told reporters that despite his decision the "door was never closed" on a possible return, and "whenever Tom wants back, he's back".

Back in February Brady had said: "I'm just gonna take things as they come. I think that's the best way to put it and I don't think anything, you know, you never say never."