Jose Mourinho latest: Manager rejects Roma but wants instant return with Manchester United in the frame

Offers immediatlely come in for sacked manager as Hiddink agrees to take over Chelsea hot-seat for season

Miguel Delaney
Stamford Bridge
Saturday 19 December 2015 15:07 EST
Comments
Jose Mourinho watches Brighton vs Middlesbrough
Jose Mourinho watches Brighton vs Middlesbrough (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jose Mourinho has already turned down an offer from Roma, it has emerged, despite taking the extraordinary step of announcing his immediate availability to go back into management just two days after being sacked by Chelsea.

The Portuguese released a statement through his representatives at Creative Artists Sports and Polaris Sports, stating “he will not be taking a sabbatical”. By this time, Roma had already made contact.

Mourinho is understood to have turned down the Serie A side. As reported by The Independent, the 52-year-old former Chelsea manager is targeting the manager’s job at Manchester United – a situation that could come closer to happening after Louis van Gaal’s side lost 2-1 at home to Norwich City yesterday.

The Independent on Sunday has been told, however, that Mourinho has received a number of other offers – although none from the elite band of super clubs.

Mourinho’s name was regularly sung at Stamford Bridge on Saturday – especially after the goals in an emphatic 3-1 win against Sunderland – which was in stark contrast to the lukewarm applause which greeted the confirmation that Guus Hiddink will take over as interim manager.

The Dutch coach sat alongside owner Roman Abramovich and the former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba during the game. There have been suggestions Drogba will be involved in a coaching capacity.

5 games that cost Mourinho his job

Some fans attempted to approach Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo to express their anger over the situation, but were ushered away by stewards. After the game, Hiddink and Drogba went down to the pitch to greet the players, who were warming down. There were some warm hugs, especially for Drogba.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in