Mourinho talks Ronaldo, Man Utd, Chelsea and vacancies in the interview with Ferdinand
JOSE MOURINHO revealed he had turned down an incredible job offer – and may even have managed England.
The Special One also reflected on his time as manager of Cristiano, Manchester United and Chelsea in his chat with Rio Ferdinand.
5
Mourinho, 61, was suspended by Roma on January 16 after a dismal run that left the Italian giants ninth in Serie A.
But after leaving a sour note in the dressing room during a final swipe at his players, he sat down for an interview at Ferdinand's club. FIVE podcast.
And that included stunning the former centre-half by announcing some of the posts he had turned down over the years, including the chance to coach the ex-Leeds ace.
Mourinho said: 'I have turned down great job opportunities.
“The first one was actually very, very difficult to refuse because it was Portugal.
“I could be their coach on the national team.”
Then he said to Ferdinand: 'Yours too, I had that on the table.
“I didn't do that because I gave everything in my heart. I gave options that could even be considered not very smart from a professional point of view.”
FREE BETTS – BEST BETTS & BONUSES FOR NEW CUSTOMERS
Ferdinand had his head in his hand and immediately replied, “No way.”
And the comment implies that Mourinho could either have been Three Lions boss or perhaps been taken over at Old Trafford sooner.
He famously stepped into the Red Devils' chair in 2016, but that was two years after Ferdinand left for QPR.
However, so far he has stayed away from international football, keeping his full focus on some of Europe's top clubs.
Reflecting on his two-year spell at United, Mourinho added: “I enjoyed my time there.
“I don't think the media helped me.”
Mourinho was also asked what it was like coaching Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
But he admitted: “I don't think you coach [him].”
5
Mourinho managed Roma in 138 games (six fewer than his tally at Manchester United) and won the inaugural Europa Conference League.
That included a record 7-0 thumping of Empoli in September 2023.
But a decline in form saw Roma slip off the table and Mourinho got the ball.
In the trailer video, the clip ends with a teaser asking Mourinho what comes next for him.
The former PE teacher has already been linked with a stunning return to Chelsea if Mauricio Pochettino is sacked.
Reports that he is learning a new language suggest he could be eyeing a job at Bayern Munich, or even a move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Mourinho admitted it would be an “honor” to manage Lionel Messi before the Inter Miami superstar retires.
5
5