Jose Mourinho comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho officially addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from the Portuguese national team during a press conference on November 6, 2026. Mourinho expressed his respect for the 41-year-old’s choice but emphasized that this does not mark the end of Ronaldo's professional football career, as the player maintains further personal and professional goals.

Responding to questions about whether he sees a future for the star in coaching, Mourinho stated it is still too early to determine Ronaldo’s intentions. Regarding his own squad management at Real Madrid, Mourinho also addressed concerns about forward Vinicius, noting that he intends to manage the player’s return to form cautiously to protect the overall balance of the team. He highlighted the importance of rotation and long-term planning, mentioning that other players like Arda were rested in recent matches to manage physical fitness and recovery effectively.

The manager’s comments serve to clarify that while the international career of the veteran striker has concluded, his commitment to club-level football remains ongoing. Mourinho continues to focus on navigating the club's demanding schedule through strategic squad selection.