Jose Mourinho admitted that he had been approached to coach the national team Portugal. However, the AS Roma coach refused.
Portugal had been looking for a new coach after Fernando Santos resigned after failing at the 2022 World Cup. A number of names were then mentioned as candidates to replace Santos, including Mourinho.
However, in the end Portugal pointed Robert Martinez as the new trainer. Martinez himself previously managed Belgium and withdrew after the 2022 World Cup.
Recently, Mourinho claimed to be the ‘only choice’ of FPF President Fernando Gomes. However, Mourinho rejected Portugal’s offer because he wanted to focus on Rome.
“The fact that the president of the FPF said that I was not his first choice, but his only choice, makes me proud,” said Mourinho. Daily Mail.
“But I decided not to leave (from Rome). I am here and that is what matters.”
Mourinho’s claim contradicts Fernando Gomes’ statement. Gomes previously stated there were several candidates being considered.
“All I can say is we spoke to a lot of people,” Gomes said when introducing Roberto Martinez.
“I have a good relationship with the Portuguese coaches. The only proposal we put forward was Roberto Martinez,” he said.
(nds/krs)
