Mourinho respects Ronaldo's Portugal exit, says legend still chasing club goals
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho refuses to judge Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from Portugal duty at 41, urging fans to respect the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's choice. Speaking Friday after Ronaldo's Thursday announcement, Mourinho clarified this isn't full retirement — the Portuguese icon still has unfinished business at club level.
"I don't want to judge him. I think that instead of commenting, we should respect his decision," Mourinho said. "This is not retirement. He hasn't ended his career. Those who know him understand that he still has goals he wants to achieve."
Ronaldo's international exit closes a 21-year Portugal chapter with 130 caps and a record 128 goals. The move lets him focus entirely on Real Madrid ambitions, where he's chasing more Champions League silverware this season.
For Nigerian fans who've tracked Ronaldo's entire career, the shift means fewer international breaks but potentially longer club longevity. Mourinho's stance — respect the decision, watch what's next — mirrors how most football purists are processing this milestone.
Will Ronaldo's club-only focus extend his peak years, or does international football's rhythm actually sustain elite performance longer?