José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football. According to Pulse Nigeria, he spoke at his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid's LALIGA match against Valencia.
Pulse Nigeria reported that Ronaldo, 41 and now with Al Nassr, announced on Thursday that he was leaving the Portugal national team for good, ending a 23-year international career.
What triggered the exit
The report links the departure to a publicised dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. It says communication broke down, and Ronaldo left the squad's Copenhagen training camp without official authorisation. The federation then reportedly handed him a one-month suspension. These details come from a single source and are not independently confirmed here.
Mourinho's response
Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, spoke to the Spanish press. He said: "His decision must be respected, and I do respect it."
He also voiced regret over how it ended, saying: "The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday."
Mourinho then made clear he does not see this as the end for Ronaldo overall: "He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals."
Club form and the 1,000-goal chase
Pulse Nigeria pointed to Ronaldo's recent club form. It says he scored a hat-trick in Al Nassr's 5-3 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Kholood Club on October 29, taking his career tally to 985 senior goals.
With no more international duty, the report says, Ronaldo can focus on reaching 1,000 goals before he finally stops playing. That is the publication's framing, and Ronaldo himself is not quoted on it.
- Based on reporting byPulse Nigeria: José Mourinho reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's shock Portugal retirement
