According to a report by GOAL on Friday, November 6, 2026, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football, insisting that the Portugal superstar still has important ambitions to fulfil before bringing his playing career to an end.

Mourinho discussed his former player while speaking to journalists ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga encounter with Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday.

The Portuguese manager enjoyed a successful working relationship with Ronaldo during their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013. They worked together in 164 matches across all competitions, with their biggest achievement being Real Madrid's 2011-12 La Liga title.

Reacting to Ronaldo's international retirement, Mourinho said the decision deserved respect but stressed that it should not be mistaken for the end of the forward's professional football career.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager suggested that those familiar with Ronaldo's mentality would understand that the 41year old still has personal and professional objectives he wants to achieve.

Mourinho also expressed his hope that Ronaldo would receive a special farewell when he eventually decides to retire from club football, arguing that a player of his importance deserves proper recognition.

He also played down suggestions that the former Real Madrid forward could immediately move into management after ending his playing career.

According to Mourinho, it is too early to determine whether coaching is something Ronaldo would consider, as the Portuguese superstar has not publicly demonstrated a clear ambition to become a manager.

Ronaldo's decision to end his international career has attracted widespread attention because of his extraordinary contribution to Portugal. He leaves the national team as its all time leading goalscorer and most capped player.

Meanwhile, Mourinho remains focused on Real Madrid's domestic campaign as his players prepare for Saturday's trip to Valencia.

Los Blancos are third in the La Liga standings with 27 points and will be determined to maintain their recent momentum.

The Spanish giants have won their last seven matches across all competitions, including an impressive 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

Mourinho will now hope his team can extend that winning run against Valencia as they attempt to close the gap on Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title.