Jose Mourinho's agent drops hint over next move after Roma departure
- Mourinho was sacked by Roma earlier this week despite wanting to stay
- Saudi Arabia hold interest in Mourinho; Chelsea & Newcastle linked
- International management also an option
By Tom Gott
Jose Mourinho's agent has confirmed the Portuguese boss will only return to work with a "top side" following his departure from Roma.
Roma suddenly cut ties with Mourinho earlier this week after a slump in form, with the 60-year-old visibly emotional as he bid farewell to supporters. He had publicly admitted his desire to sign a new contract and was not considering options elsewhere at the time of his departure.
90min revealed shortly after that links between Mourinho and either Chelsea or Newcastle United were simply speculative at this point, although the boss is expected to receive further contact from Saudi Arabia after rejecting a move to Al Hilal during the summer.
Asked for his client's next move, Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "It’s too early to say now. He is a coach for top sides; he’s always worked for top sides. He is an excellent coach and he’s proved it everywhere he’s worked.
"Saudi clubs already called him months ago and made a crazy offer, but he decided to continue with Roma because he loved them."
Mendes continued: "Jose was the first coach to win three trophies at Manchester United after the great Sir Alex Ferguson, with a team that didn’t have the likes of [David] Beckham and the other big players of the past.
"He returned to Chelsea and won the Premier League. With Tottenham, he was sacked before playing in the Carabao Cup Final. With him, Roma won the Conference League after so many years. He is a winner."
Mendes went on to confess he was surprised by Mourinho's departure from Roma but insisted the boss has no regrets over his work at the club.
"I was left surprised, I didn’t expect it," he explained.
"Fans are always right, and they adore José, not only Roma fans but those of all clubs where he worked.
"His conscience is clear. He knows he worked well even if Roma’s team was limited compared to Inter and Juventus.
"Ok, Roma sit ninth, but they are just five points below the fourth spot, and 18 games are remaining. He wanted to continue and was convinced to do well even if the situation was not easy."
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