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Mourinho: Ronaldo's International Exit Not Final Retirement

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has suggested Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Portugal's international team may not be permanent, indicating the Portuguese star still has chapters to write in his career.

LSN Malaysia · 6 November 2026

Mourinho: Ronaldo's International Exit Not Final Retirement

Jose Mourinho has pushed back against suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from international football marks the end of the line for the Real Madrid forward, insisting there is unfinished business ahead for the Portuguese superstar.

The Real Madrid manager's comments come as speculation swirls around Ronaldo's international future following his decision to step away from Portugal's setup. Rather than accept this as a definitive retirement, Mourinho indicated the veteran striker retains the quality and hunger to potentially return to the fold.

Mourinho's remarks underscore Ronaldo's enduring influence at club level, where the Portuguese international continues to deliver at the highest echelon of European football. The striker's decision to withdraw from international duties has prompted widespread analysis of his legacy and future trajectory, with observers divided on whether the move represents a permanent departure.

The intervention by one of football's most prominent managers adds weight to suggestions that Ronaldo's international story may yet have unexpected twists. At Real Madrid, the 31-year-old continues to perform at elite levels, maintaining his standing as one of Europe's premier attacking talents.