The headline shared in the article by Mirror (UK) today, March 27th, reads: “Jose Mourinho Considering Move to Saudi Arabia Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s Transfer.” Cristiano Ronaldo marks the first major star to move to the Saudi Pro League of Saudi Arabia, prompting Jose Mourinho to contemplate a reunion with his former protege at Real Madrid in the Middle East.
Jose Mourinho has hinted at considering opportunities in Saudi Arabia due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in broadening his perspective on the Saudi Pro League following CR7’s move to Al Nassr club. Mourinho is currently without a job after being sacked by AS Roma in January, and he anticipates a potential return to coaching in the upcoming summer should he find a suitable team.
The 61-year-old Portuguese strategist, Jose Mourinho, led AS Roma to victory in the Europa Conference League in May 2022, marking AS Roma’s first European title since 1961. However, AS Roma was placed 9th in Serie A at the time of Mourinho’s dismissal.
Currently, Jose Mourinho is awaiting his opportunity while scouting for his next team. Mourinho believes that the end of this season might present such an opportunity for him. The Portuguese coach has been approached for several positions, including an offer with a staggering salary from Saudi Arabia.
Last August, Jose Mourinho revealed that he had received two job offers but opted to remain with AS Roma to honor his commitment to the club’s leadership. Al Shabab, a Saudi Arabian club, is reportedly interested in signing Mourinho. Mourinho has disclosed that if he were to accept an offer from Saudi Arabia, he would receive the highest salary ever offered to a coach.
In a conversation with renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Jose Mourinho elaborated on his sentiments regarding Saudi Arabia: “Saudi Arabia, I think Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the door for people to believe that they can be there, live there, and enjoy the development of a country aspiring to transform itself with football as a passion.”
“I think Cristiano Ronaldo has opened that door, and when I received an offer, of course, that’s very important economically. I turned it down because what’s more important to me is staying with AS Roma and their goal of qualifying for the Champions League.”
“If you ask me later, you know, experience has taught me never to say never. But if you ask me why I’m traveling to Saudi Arabia today, then I’m traveling because I’ll enjoy three days watching boxing, enjoying the F1 race, meeting some friends, not because I’m signing any contract. Because now I still have time until the end of the season to make the right decision for myself.”
Jose Mourinho visited Saudi Arabia in early March to attend the boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou in Riyadh before witnessing the Saudi Grand Prix F1 race. Jose Mourinho aims to lead a new team after the conclusion of this season.
Jose Mourinho added: “I am ready to start, sometimes when you finish at a club, you feel the need to rest or think. In this case, a day after I left (AS Roma), I was ready to go (to lead a new team).”
“I am truly ready, but I don’t want to make a wrong choice, I can’t afford to choose wrong, I can’t accept something just because of the feeling and passion to get back. I have to be patient. Is something happening in March or April? That’s very difficult, my goal is to start in the coming summer.”