LONDON: Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has told Cristiano Ronaldo to come home to Old Trafford if he doesn't feel loved at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo quit United in 2009 to achieve his boyhood dream of playing for Real, but the Portugal forward has never been treated with the same respect in Spain that he enjoyed in the Premier League.

While United fans worshipped Ronaldo, in Madrid he has complained of feeling “sad” at the lack of appreciation for his devastating displays, which helped Real end Barcelona's reign as Spanish champions last season.

Ronaldo, who has scored 170 times in 169 appearances for the Spanish giants, is also believed to be unhappy that Real's hierarchy haven't given him improved contracts in the same way Barcelona have rewarded their superstar Lionel Messi.

And, with Ronaldo due to return to United for the first time when the clubs clash in the last 16 of the Champions League later this season, French left-back Evra believes his old team-mate should consider rejoining Alex Ferguson's team.

“I have been in touch with him many times,” Evra told MUTV.

“He still loves Manchester United and misses Manchester United.

“He has done some incredible things for Real Madrid, he broke all the records, but they didn't show him the respect he deserves.

“When Ronny was here, he got the love from all the players, the manager and the fans. He is a winner. But he likes people to like him. He misses Manchester United because it was his house.

“I always say I hope he will come back because this is his home. If he wants to win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) he has to come back to Manchester United.”

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, when he contributed an incredible 42 goals to United's Champions League and Premier League double season, but Messi has dominated the individual prizes since then.

However, Evra is adamant Ronaldo is the better player because, unlike Messi, he thrives in a Madrid team that offers less support from the other attacking positions.

“Ronny is an incredible player, the best in the world,” Evra said.

“He is better than Messi.

“It is not because he is my friend or that I played with him but he has everything.

“Messi is unbelievable but Ronaldo does it on his own. In Madrid he has to score the goals and create them. At Barcelona, Messi has Xavi and Iniesta.”

Yet Evra is not worried about facing his former team-mate in the Champions League after years of pitting his wits against the Portuguese star on the training ground.

“I hope he plays on my side. He knows from training what a tough defender I am. I know how to catch him,” Evra said.

“I know he can make the difference at any time but the emotion means it will be really difficult for him.”