Mendes says Ronaldo could feature at the 2030 World Cup if Mourinho becomes Portugal boss

Mendes says Ronaldo could feature at the 2030 World Cup if Mourinho becomes Portugal boss

Former Tottenham and Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Mendes has spoken on Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the Portugal side.

Ronaldo, who recently turned 41 years old, is reportedly unsure on his chances at featuring at the 2030 World Cup as signs point towards this summer’s competition being his last.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s former manager Mourinho has delivered a strong season with Benfica but is reportedly unhappy at the side as he seeks to leave at the end of the campaign.

Speaking to Thunderpick, Mendes revealed that Ronaldo could stay for the 2030 competition where he would be 45 years old, as long as Mourinho is handed the opportunity.

“Would Cristiano Ronaldo carry on for Portugal if Jose Mourinho got the job? I think it's up to Cristiano if he wants to carry on. I think he has the power to decide if he wants to keep playing for the national team or not.

“But the relationship between a manager and a player in the national team is completely different to the relationship between a manager and a player at a club. It's not that daily work and the tensions are every week, week in, week out games. So, let's see. It's still a little bit early.

“But they go along well, you know, they have a good relationship. So I can't see any issue if Mourinho joins the national team. I can't see any issue with it.”

Mourinho is under contract with Benfica until June 2027, meaning until the end of next season. He could depart in the next few years, take up another job and still become Portugal boss ahead of the next World Cup where Ronaldo may still be competing as he continues to defy the age barrier.