Roma move to appoint Mourinho
JOSE Mourinho took just 15 days to find a high-profile new job after he was appointed Roma’s head coach for next season.
The 58-year-old was fired from Tottenham on April 19, but will take over at the Serie A club from Paulo Fonseca for 2021/22.
It sees a return to Italy for Mourinho following a fine 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 term, with the club heading out of the Europa League, trailing their new coach’s former club Manchester United 6-2 after the semi-final first leg, and unlikely to reach Europe through league position.
Mourinho, who had endured a disappointing season with Spurs before his sacking six days before the Carabao Cup final, has been drawn to the Italian capital by the ambition of the club’s owners.
“After meetings the ownership and (general manager) Tiago
Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma,” Mourinho said on the club’s official website.
“It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the coming years.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.”
Pinto said the Giallorossi could not miss the chance to appoint a manager if Mourinho’s pedigree.
He 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.
“We are supremely confident that Jose will be the perfect coach for both our immediate and longterm future.”
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