Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho spoke to the media on Friday after Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he would no longer play for the Portugal national team. Mourinho said he would not pass judgment on the 41‑year‑old forward’s decision.
Ronaldo, a five‑time Ballon d’Or winner, confirmed his withdrawal from international football but did not indicate that he was ending his playing career altogether. The Portuguese star has continued to feature for Real Madrid and remains active at club level.
“I don’t want to judge him. I think that instead of commenting, we should respect his decision. And obviously, I respect it,” Mourinho told reporters. He added that the move does not constitute retirement from football.
“This is not retirement. He hasn’t ended his career. Those who know him understand that he still has goals he wants to achieve in his career. The only thing I would wish is that when he eventually retires from football completely, that day will be different from yesterday.”
Mourinho concluded by expressing hope that Ronaldo’s eventual full retirement will come on his own terms, separate from the decision to step away from the national team.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
