The key facts

  • Ronaldo announced on November 5 his departure from the Portugal national team at the age of 41
  • The departure was preceded by a conflict with coach Jorge Jesus and an unauthorized departure from the team camp
  • Mourinho called for respecting the player's decision, noting that this is not the end of his career as a whole

Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team

On November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo announced the end of his career with the Portugal national team, Gazeta.Ru reports. The footballer is 41 years old, and the decision became one of the main storylines of the international break.

A conflict with Jesus preceded the decision

According to the outlet, the departure was preceded by a conflict with national team head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo did not play in the Nations League match against Norway by the coach's decision, and after a press conference at which Jesus did not guarantee him a place in the lineup for the game against Denmark, the footballer missed the last three training sessions and left the national team camp without permission — he headed to the airport and flew out on his private plane.

Mourinho's reaction and the farewell in Portugal

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho called for respecting the player's decision. His words were relayed by The Touchline on the social network X: «I don't want to condemn him. I think that instead of showering him with comments, we should respect his decision. And, obviously, I do respect it. This is not the end of his career». In this way Mourinho emphasized that we are talking only about leaving the national team, not about ending his playing career altogether. It was previously reported that Ronaldo will be given a ceremonial farewell in Portugal.