José Mourinho has broken his silence on his departure from AS Roma, revealing that his emotional connection to the Giallorossi bench ended on the day of the Europa League final in Budapest. The Portuguese coach stated he felt 'already dead' upon returning from his summer holiday, with the formal sacking only coming in January.
"With Roma it ended after Budapest, when I returned I was already dead," Mourinho said in a recent interview. "The day of the final in Budapest I was dismissed: when I came back from holiday I was already dead." These stark words describe the detachment that followed the penalty shootout defeat to Sevilla, an event that marked the end of a cycle that began with winning the Conference League, the club's first European trophy since 1961.
The bond with the fans
Despite the separation, the manager reaffirmed his deep bond with the club and its supporters. He recalled the welcome from thousands of fans at the airport upon his arrival, before any results, calling Rome 'forever my home'. He said he fought for the fans and gave everything, stressing that they understood he existed only for Roma and the Romanisti. A friend who is an agent took a photo of the Trigoria entrance after the Conference League win, a trophy that, Mourinho assured, will always remain there.
Criticisms and responsibilities
Mourinho also touched on the controversial episodes of his tenure, criticising UEFA for making him pay for incidents he does not feel responsible for, specifically referencing the airport incident involving referee Anthony Taylor. He admitted his own fault for insulting the referee in the garage of the Puskás Aréna, accepting punishment for that, but denied any responsibility for what happened at the airport with fans and Taylor. The only negative comment, he said, was directed at the then sporting director Thiago Pinto, for which he later apologised. He was keen to point out he would never speak against Roma or its ownership.
The future and the Olimpico return
Now Mourinho prepares for a special return to the Stadio Olimpico, this time as an opponent in the upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday 14 October. He said it will be the first time he goes to Rome without the support of the Giallorossi fans and expects respect, but no chants or banners. Meanwhile, the team he left is in stunning form: AS Roma sit top of Serie A with 6 points from two games, having scored 8 goals and conceded none. The next fixture is away to Como on 11 October, another chance to consolidate the lead. Top scorer Daniele Malen, with 6 goals in 5 appearances, is the man in the hottest form. Looking at Serie A, Mourinho commented that Malen and his teammates at Inter will find it difficult in the league and perhaps the Coppa Italia, hoping the Nerazzurri do not improve, while acknowledging their potential.
This story first appeared at sportmediaset.mediaset.it
