Jose Mourinho has confirmed his next destination in the game after signing a three-year contract to become Roma's next head coach.
Dismissed by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy 15 days ago following a poor run of results that saw Spurs tumble down the league standings, the Italian side confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Mourinho will replace Paulo Fonseca in the hotseat from the start of next campaign.
Amid talk that he could potentially return to Italy after a successful time with Inter Milan between 2008 and 2010, the 58-year-old has signed on the dotted line in the Italian capital until June 2024.
Knowing exactly what to expect from the Serie A club having faced them in the past, Mourinho has stated that the club's fanbase played a part in his decision to take on the job from the summer.
“Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision,” he told the club's official website.
“After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma. It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.
“In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!”
Currently seventh in the Serie A table and nine points behind rivals Lazio in the standings, Mourinho will have plenty to do to get the Giallorossi challenging towards the top end of the league once again.
However, Tiago Pinto, Roma's general manager, knew immediately that the ex-Spurs boss was the man to lead them forward and help their grand plans come to fruition.
“When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time,” said Pinto.
“We were blown away by Jose’s desire to win and his passion for the game: no matter how many trophies he has won, his primary focus is always on the next one. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels.
“We know that in order to build a successful sporting project it takes time, patience and the right people in the right positions. We are supremely confident that Jose will be the perfect coach for our project, for both our immediate and long-term future.
“Together with the vision and ambition of Dan and Ryan Friedkin, we will build the foundations of a new AS Roma.”
