Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football, saying the Portuguese superstar still has several goals to achieve in his playing career.
Ronaldo, who played under Mourinho at Real Madrid for three years, announced on Thursday that he would no longer represent Portugal.
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The 41-year-old brought an end to a record-breaking international career spanning more than two decades, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
Speaking on Friday, Mourinho said Ronaldo's decision should not be seen as the end of his football career. He insisted that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner still has ambitions to fulfil before eventually hanging up his boots.
"It's not a retirement, his career hasn't ended. Anyone who knows him knows he still has goals for his career," Mourinho said ahead of Real Madrid's match against Valencia.
The Portuguese coach also expressed his wish that Ronaldo's eventual retirement from professional football would be different from the way his international career came to an end.
"The only thing I would hope for is that when the day finally comes for him to retire as a footballer, it happens differently than it did yesterday."
Ronaldo's decision follows a difficult period with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. The forward reportedly fell out with Jesus towards the end of September after being left out of a UEFA Nations League match.
He then left the national team's camp and was handed a 30-day suspension.
The incident added to an already disappointing end to his international journey, which included several major achievements, most notably leading Portugal to the UEFA Euro 2016 title.
Despite stepping away from international football, Ronaldo is expected to continue his club career with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The forward remains under contract with the club until June 2027, meaning his international retirement does not bring his professional playing career to an end.
ALSO READ: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football
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