Just hours after announcing that Paulo Fonseca would leave at the end of the season, Roma have dropped an absolute bombshell: Jose Mourinho has been named the club’s new manager.
The Giallorossi announced that the former Tottenham boss has signed three-year contract and takes over in the Italian capital beginning next season.
“We are thrilled and delighted to welcome Jose Mourinho into the AS Roma family,” club President Dan Friedkin and Vice-President Ryan Friedkin said to the club’s website.
“A great champion who has won trophies at every level, Jose will provide tremendous leadership and experience to our ambitious project. The appointment of Jose is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture throughout the club.”
Mourinho released a brief statement through the club’s website, praising the ambition of the Friedkin’s and the vision that was laid out to him during a set of meetings.
“Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision,” Mourinho said.
“After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma. It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season. In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!”
The 58 year-old joins the capital club after recent stints in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
General Director Tiago Pinto lauded Mourinho’s winning pedigree and his passion for football when discussing his appointment.
“When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time,” he stated.
“We were blown away by Jose’s desire to win and his passion for the game: no matter how many trophies he has won, his primary focus is always on the next one. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels.”
“We know that in order to build a successful sporting project it takes time, patience and the right people in the right positions. We are supremely confident that Jose will be the perfect coach for our project, for both our immediate and long-term future.”
“Together with the vision and ambition of Dan and Ryan Friedkin, we will build the foundations of a new AS Roma.”
The decision to appoint Mourinho represents the first managerial hire made by the Friedkin’s following their takeover of the club last August.
