'His career hasn't ended' - Mourinho backs Ronaldo to continue playing after Portugal exit

Ronaldo confirmed on Thursday that he had played his final match for Portugal, bringing an end to an international career spanning 234 appearances and a world-record 146 goals.

However, Mourinho, who worked with Ronaldo for three years at Real Madrid, insists the decision does not mean the end of his playing career.

"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 former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also expressed disappointment at the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo's international farewell.

"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," he added.

Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal squad followed a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus in September after the forward was left out of a Nations League match.

The 41-year-old subsequently left the national team camp and received a 30-day suspension, bringing a difficult end to an international career that included winning Euro 2016.

Despite closing the Portugal chapter, Ronaldo has no immediate plans to stop playing.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until June 2027, with Mourinho confident that the forward still has ambitions to fulfil in football.

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