After coming off contract at Manchester United, Martial is yet to find himself a new club.
Petit told talkSPORT: "I can't remember the last time he was a proper footballer on the pitch, producing good performances.
"Maybe he should ask himself this question, does he have the desire to keep on going with his career? Because I have the feeling that the last few years was very difficult for him on and off the pitch.
"It's quite difficult to get a good mind coming in every morning at the training ground and try to give your best all the time because you have a problem in your life, you have a problem in the dressing room, you have problems everywhere.
"So, if I was Anthony Martial, I would ask myself the question in the mirror. Do I still want to be a professional footballer?"