“I made no mistake rejecting a lucrative Saudi deal” — Mourinho

“I will stay at Roma no matter what,” Jose Mourinho reinstates his commitment to the Serie A club following a poor start to the 2023/24 campaign.

AS Roma manager, Jose Mourinho amidst a troubled season for his side, disclosed that he had turned down what was “the biggest, most important and craziest job offer that a coach has ever had in the history of football” during the summer.

Stressing his commitment to the Italian side and his determination to stay true to his word, the Portuguese promised to remain in Rome despite starting the season in poor form.

The Portuguese manager had been a subject of speculation regarding a potential move away from AS Roma, with notable offers on the table.

Mourinho confirmed in August that he had been approached by top management to coach the Saudi Arabian national team, an offer that included a two-year deal worth a staggering €120 million, which would have made him the highest-paid manager in football history, according to Coriello Dello Sport.

In addition to the national team proposal, the 60-year-old disclosed that he had also declined lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli and Al Hilal, with the latter reportedly offering €30 million per season. Mourinho, however, firmly expressed his desire to stay with Roma.

“I decided to turn both down as I want to stay at Roma,” Mourinho stated in August, emphasizing his commitment to the Italian side.

Throughout the current season, Mourinho has publicly expressed his dedication to remaining in Rome, and his recent statement ahead of Roma’s Serie A clash against Frosinone further solidified his commitment.

“Now it seems like I’m a problem, I don’t accept it. I don’t accept it because it’s not true, I’m not a problem,” he declared in his press conference via La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Mourinho went on to highlight the importance of keeping one’s word in football and in life, reiterating his commitment to AS Roma until June 30, 2024.

“I will be here until the last day,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho also addressed potential criticism from fans, expressing confidence in his abilities and determination to fulfill his responsibilities.

Furthermore, Mourinho emphasized the strong bond he shares with his AS Roma players, describing them as friends and emphasizing the invaluable empathy within the team.

“There is empathy which is a base that is priceless, especially in these moments here. With them, I never felt alone, ever,” he noted.