José Mourinho believes a player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing deserved a more fitting international farewell

José Mourinho has expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal, saying he hopes the forward’s eventual retirement from football will be marked differently. Ronaldo announced the end of his international career after a difficult period with the national team, bringing a 23-year association with Portugal to a close without the farewell that might have accompanied such a career.Mourinho wanted a different farewell for RonaldoSpeaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Mourinho said Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football had to be respected, but made clear that he hoped the circumstances of his eventual departure from the game would be different."His decision must be respected, and I respect it. But he has not ended his football career, and anyone who knows him realises that he still has goals he is seeking to achieve in his career."He added:"The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,"Ronaldo announced his retirement on Thursday, November 5, after a 23-year international career in which he scored 146 goals in 234 appearances. The announcement followed weeks of tension within the Portugal camp, including his disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal's match against Norway and subsequently learned that he would not start against Denmark. He then left the national team's training camp, prompting disciplinary action from the Portuguese Football Federation, which imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine.His retirement announcement came against that background. Rather than receiving a planned farewell in front of Portugal supporters, Ronaldo confirmed his decision through a video posted on his social media accounts, bringing an abrupt end to his international career.The contrast with Lionel Messi's farewellThe circumstances were different from those surrounding Lionel Messi's recent farewell to Argentina. Just weeks earlier, Messi had played what was presented as his final appearance for the national team in Buenos Aires, scoring in a friendly before addressing supporters at the stadium. Around 85,000 fans were present for the occasion, which became a celebration of his career with Argentina.Ronaldo's departure came without a comparable occasion. His final chapter with Portugal was shaped by the dispute within the squad and the disciplinary action that followed his departure from camp, rather than a farewell match organised to recognise his contribution. Whether Portugal will arrange a separate farewell for the 41-year-old remains unclear, with no plans for a commemorative match or formal send-off having been announced.Mourinho and Ronaldo's history at Real MadridMourinho knows Ronaldo's ambitions from their time together at Real Madrid, where the two Portuguese figures worked alongside each other between 2010 and 2013. They shared 164 matches across all competitions and won the 2011-12 LaLiga title, during a period in which Ronaldo became central to Madrid's attack.Their professional relationship gives Mourinho a particular understanding of the forward's approach to football, and he was unwilling to speculate that Ronaldo might be ready to leave the game simply because he has ended his international career.Ronaldo's immediate focus remains on Al Nassr, where he is continuing his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He currently has 985 to his name, leaving him 15 short of a milestone no player has ever reached. His international retirement does not change that ambition, with the forward still pursuing the target during his club career.Could Ronaldo become a coach after retirement?Mourinho was less certain when asked whether Ronaldo might move into management once he eventually stops playing. Rather than predicting a second career in coaching, he said it was too early to know what the forward would choose to do."I do not know what to say. It is still too early to talk about that," he replied.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.