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Legendary Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho has shared his thoughts on calls for Cristiano Ronaldo to retire after a dismal EURO 2024.
Jose Mourinho has shared his thoughts on the topic of aging players, following Ronaldo's performance for Portugal at the just concluded EURO 2024.
Ronaldo, 39, failed to score a single goal in 5 matches, and was sent packing after penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarter-final.
The Al Nassr captain was a constant topic of debate throughout the tournament with many questioning his inclusion in the squad, or at the very least, Roberto Martinez's insistence on using him from the start.
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Mourinho discusses Ronaldo, says football is not about status or age
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Mourinho, who worked with Ronaldo for 3 years at Real Madrid, and is no stranger to using players in the twighlight of their career, believes a plaer's level is more important than age.
Speaking in an interview with SportyTV, the Fenerbahce boss said:
"For me it is not difficult to transition players out of the squad, because I do not look at player ages or status, I only look at what he can give me now.
"I played Raphael Varane at 18 years old at Real Madrid, and I believe there is no age for Players.
"Football is not about what you did yesterday, it is about today.
"If you can perform at a high-level today, you have to play, whether you are 16 like Yamal or 41 like Pepe."
Mourinho's words may imply that Ronaldo's achievements and history do not automatically merit a starting shirt when his current level is clearly so low.
Meanwhile, The Portugal captain has yet to decide on his future and there have even been suggestions he could participate in the 2026 World Cup, although that is purely speculation.
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