Jose Mourinho opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, Chelsea and job offers in interview with Rio Ferdinand
JOSE MOURINHO revealed he turned down an incredible job offer – and might even have managed England.
The Special One also reflected on his time managing Cristiano, Manchester United and Chelsea in his sit-down chat with Rio Ferdinand.
Jose Mourinho made a shock revelation about previous job offers he turned downX @rioferdy5
The Special One appeared on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastX @rioferdy5
Mourinho, 61, was axed by Roma on January 16 after a dismal run that left the Italian giants ninth in Serie A.
But after leaving a bitter note in the dressing room in a final dig at his players, he sat down for an interview on Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast.
And that included stunning the former centre-back by announcing some of the posts he rejected over the years, including the chance to manage the ex-Leeds ace.
Mourinho said: “I refused great working opportunities.
“The first one was even very, very hard to refuse because it was Portugal.
“I could be their coach in the national team.”
He then added to Ferdinand: “Also yours, I had it there on the table.
“I didn’t because I gave everything in my heart, I gave options that even could be considered not very clever by the professional point of view.”
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Ferdinand had his head in his hand and immediately replied: “No way.”
And the comment implies Mourinho could have either been Three Lions boss or maybe taken over at Old Trafford earlier.
He famously did step into the Red Devils hot seat in 2016 but that was two years after Ferdinand departed for QPR.
However, so far he has steered clear of international football – instead keeping his full focus on some of Europe’s top clubs.
Reflecting on his two-year stint at United, Mourinho added: “I loved my time there.
“I don’t think the media helped me.”
Mourinho was also asked about what it was like to manage Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
But he admitted: “I think you don’t coach [him].”
Mourinho led Roma in 138 matches – six short of his Manchester United tally – and won the inaugural Europa Conference League.
That included a record 7-0 thumping of Empoli in September 2023.
But a downturn in form saw Roma slide down the table and Mourinho got the boot.
In the trailer video, the clip ends with a teaser as Mourinho is asked what comes next for him.
The former PE teacher has already been linked with stunning return to Chelsea if Mauricio Pochettino is dismissed.
Reports he is learning a new language hinted he could be eyeing the Bayern Munich job – or even a move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Mourinho admitted it would be an “honour” to manage Lionel Messi before the Inter Miami superstar retires.
Getty – ContributorMourinho took over at Old Trafford in 2016[/caption]
He could have been Ferdinand’s boss with England or the Red DevilsNews Group Newspapers Ltd
