Jose Mourinho ‘convinced’ he will follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia
Jose Mourinho says he will "definitely" work in Saudi Arabia at some point amid rumours he could link up with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Roma boss insists he's "committed" to his role in the Italian capital, but refused to rule out a move to the Saudi Pro League, which has been pinching many of the world's top footballing figures over the past year. Speaking to Egyptian outlet MBC, the Special One said: "I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will work there. I don't know when, but I am pretty sure of it.
"I am committed to my work with Roma and I want to give everything to the club until the last day. No one knows the future, but I will definitely do this [work in Saudi Arabia]."
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Mourinho's comments come amid speculation linking him with the sack following a disappointing start to the new season. Roma have won just two of their opening seven Serie A matches and are currently 13th in the table, four points above the drop-zone.
Reports in Italy claim Roma are preparing to sack the former Premier League boss, with ex-Germany manager Hansi Flick being lined up to replace him. Mourinho isn't exactly famous for lengthy managerial stints and after two-and-a-bit seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, the end, and a subsequent move to Saudi Arabia, could well be nigh.
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Mourinho claims he rejected a "huge" offer from the Saudi Pro League over the summer, and interest in him won't be in short supply should he leave Roma in the near future. The 60-year-old joined the board of directors of the Mahd Academy, which works on talent discovery in Saudi Arabia, back in July and he says he'll always be welcome in the country.
"Doors are always open for me in Saudi Arabia. I want to feel the development there," he added. "Cristiano was the first to go there and give a different perspective immediately. The players thought at first that it was a one-man show but they realised in the summer that everything was really changing.
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"Many players, not just at the last period of their careers, but also some players at the best years of their careers, are coming because the competition is real, not just at domestic League, but also the AFC Champions League is very interesting."
Mourinho was linked with moves to both the Portugal and Brazil national teams following the World Cup last year, though he decided to remain at Roma instead. Roberto Martinez ended up getting the Portugal job, but the Brazil job is still up for grabs, with Fernando Diniz currently serving as caretaker manager.
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