Manchester United’s record-breaking striker is being lined up for a mega-money move to the Far East.
But after watching the 31-year-old become United’s greatest ever goalscorer to rescue a point at Stoke, boss Mourinho says it’s up to Rooney what he does next.
“The future belongs to him and what he wants in his career,” said Mourinho.
“The way he wants to end it, the way he wants to enjoy the last part of it, that belongs to him.
“I don’t know about China - it’s up to him. I don’t like to be critical of players who decide to go to China.
“It’s their life and their career. The money is huge, the experience can also be interesting.
“I know some of my colleagues think they are more important than they are and think they can interfere in the lives of other people, but I’m not that sort of guy.
“Everybody is responsible for their own life, I’m not critical with anyone. To be honest, in Wayne’s case, I have no idea, because he has never mentioned it to me.”
Rooney has made just eight league starts this season and was a substitute again on Saturday before coming on the score his 250th goal for the club.
He still has another two seasons left on his contract.
But despite his lack of starts, Mourinho says the England captain still has a part to play at Old Trafford if he chooses to stay.
“I think he has more to give us,” said Mourinho.
“But, I repeat, you reach a certain level in a career when it is up to him.
“Wayne owns his career. It is a decision for him and his family but of course, yes, I see him with an important contribution for us.”
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Rooney should give it a go in the Chinese Super League.
“He has to make that decision together with his family and agent and so on, but why not?” said Eriksson, who has been coaching in China since 2013.
“I’m sure Rooney could play in any team here.”
