Jose Mourinho reveals real reason he snubbed England

Things could very much have been different in world football if Jose Mourinho had listened to ex-players at Chelsea and a host of England stars during his peak years in football management.

Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One,’ has always been a magnet for blockbuster headlines—and his latest revelation about the two national team jobs he turned down is no exception.

In an eye-opening interview with Rio Ferdinand, Mourinho admitted he rejected offers to manage both Portugal and England during his illustrious career.

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While many managers dream of leading a national team, Mourinho had no interest in the slower pace of international football, saying, “I cannot be spending two years playing against Kazakhstan and San Marino.”

But the real twist? It wasn’t just his own ambition holding him back—it was his wife.

Speaking to The Guardian, Mourinho revealed that his wife persuaded him not to accept England’s approach during the 2007-08 period. Despite players like Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Joe Cole urging him to take the job, Mourinho ultimately heeded her advice. “She was right,” he admitted.

Mourinho’s aversion to international management stems from his love for the day-to-day challenges of club football. “I cannot wait two years for a big competition,” he explained. This drive has kept him in the trenches of club management, leading heavyweights like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid before his current stint at Fenerbahce.

With his Fenerbahce contract running until 2026, Mourinho hinted that a national team role could be on the table before he retires. Could the lure of a major international tournament finally change his mind?