Jose Mourinho has called for Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football to be “respected,” insisting that the Portuguese superstar’s departure from the national team should not be interpreted as the end of his playing career.
The Real Madrid head coach made the remarks during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Valencia, where he was asked about Ronaldo’s announcement on Thursday, November 5, bringing his 23-year association with Portugal to an end.
“I don’t want to comment on it. I think more than commenting, his decision should be respected, as is obvious.”
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid Head Coach
Ronaldo, 41, announced his retirement through social media and a video statement, ending an international career in which he established himself as Portugal’s most influential footballer, recording 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men’s world records.
Mourinho Insists Ronaldo’s Decision Isn’t The End of His Career
Mourinho, who worked with Ronaldo during his first spell as Real Madrid manager from 2010 to 2013, was careful not to attach additional meaning to the forward’s decision, stressing that the announcement should be treated as a personal choice rather than an indication of a wider career transition.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also made it clear that Ronaldo’s playing days are far from over, pointing to the forward’s continued ambitions at club level.
“It’s not a retirement; his career isn’t over. Those who know him know that he still has goals in his career.”
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid Head Coach
The comments reflect the distinction between Ronaldo ending his international commitments and bringing his professional football career to a close, with the Al Nassr forward still pursuing major individual milestones.
Mourinho further expressed a personal wish that Ronaldo’s eventual retirement from professional football would come at a different time from his decision to leave Portugal. “The only thing I’d like is for his retirement as a player to be on a different day than yesterday,” he remarked.
Former Real Madrid Partnership
Mourinho and Ronaldo shared three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, during which they helped Real Madrid secure several major domestic honours.
Their most notable achievement came in the 2011/12 campaign when Madrid won the La Liga title with a record 100 points, ending FC Barcelona’s dominance of Spanish football.
Ronaldo was central to that success, scoring 46 league goals as Real Madrid finished nine points ahead of their rivals FC Barcelona. The Portuguese forward also helped the club win the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the Spanish Super Cup in 2012 during Mourinho’s tenure.
Their professional relationship offered Mourinho a close understanding of Ronaldo’s ambition, competitive mentality and desire to continue breaking records.
Asked whether he could eventually see Ronaldo becoming a coach after his playing career, Mourinho declined to speculate, insisting that such conversations were premature.
“Will I see him as a coach? I don’t know what might be in his mind, but it’s too early to make any comment because he’s still a player.”
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid Head Coach
Ronaldo’s 23-Year Portugal Legacy
Ronaldo’s international retirement brings to an end a remarkable journey that began with his senior debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, when he was 18 years old.
He went on to represent Portugal at six European Championships and six FIFA World Cups, becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the men’s World Cup.
His greatest achievement came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their maiden major international trophy following a 1-0 extra-time victory over France in the final. He subsequently added UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Confirming his departure, Ronaldo paid tribute to his country and the responsibility of wearing its number seven shirt.
“Portugal will always be in my heart. To the Portuguese. The time has come to hang up the number 7 of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Former Portugal Captain
Having accumulated 146 international goals and 234 appearances, Ronaldo leaves behind records that will present a significant challenge for future generations of Portuguese footballers.
He will now concentrate on his club career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues his pursuit of 1,000 official senior career goals, another milestone that would further distinguish his remarkable achievements in the game.
For Mourinho, however, Ronaldo’s immediate future remains that of an active footballer, with the Real Madrid boss insisting that the Portuguese legend still has more to accomplish on the pitch.
