Florenzi says Mourinho wanted him back at Roma: ‘He knew’ | OneFootball

Former Roma defender Alessandro Florenzi says José Mourinho wanted to bring him back to the Stadio Olimpico in 2021: ‘He knew it wasn’t true that I had argued with everyone.’

Ex-Italy international Florenzi reveals Mourinho wanted to work with him at Roma in 2021 after the Portuguese surprisingly took charge of the Giallorossi.

Florenzi: Mourinho knew I hadn’t argued with everyone at Roma

“He called me; he wondered why I had argued with everyone,” Florenzi told Corriere dello Sport.

“Ask people in Trigoria; it wasn’t true. Mourinho knew it too. He wanted me, and I’d have played for him.”

Florenzi spent nine seasons at Roma, leaving the club in January 2020. He then played for Valencia and PSG, on loan, but when Mourinho was appointed as the new Giallorossi coach in 2021, the Italian had a chance to return to the Olimpico.

After his return from PSG, however, Florenzi joined Milan, first on loan and then on a permanent deal from 2022-23.

The Euro 2020 Italy winner scored 28 goals in 280 games with Roma. He retired at the end of the 2024-25 campaign; so what’s next for him?

“Being a coach must be tough,” he said.

“I can’t say it with certainty now, many people say that a coaching role would suit me, others say I should be a director. I’d like to talk to the players, work with them and help, but I still don’t know in which capacity.”

Florenzi also scored two goals in 49 appearances with the Italy national team. His final appearance was in June 2022, in a 0-0 draw against England.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)