MOURINHO SECURES QUICK RETURN TO DUGOUT AT ROMA

Jose Mourinho has been appointed Roma's new head coach for next season, just 15 days after leaving Tottenham. The 58-year-old, left, was fired by Spurs on April 19 but will take over at the Serie A club from Paulo Fonseca for the 2021/22 campaign.

It sees a return to Italy for Mourinho following a triumphant spell with Inter Milan over a decade ago where he won the treble, including the Champions League.

However, he is unlikely to be dining at the top table next season, with the club heading out of the Europa League, trailing Mourinho's former club Manchester United 6-2 after the semifinal first leg, and unlikely to reach Europe through their league position.

Mourinho, who endured a disappointing campaign with Spurs before his sacking six days before the Carabao Cup final, said: "After meetings with the ownership and (general manager) Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma.

"It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years. The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season."

Pinto said: "When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time.

"We were blown away by Jose's desire to win and his passion for the game: no matter how many trophies he has won, his primary focus is always on the next one. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels.”