Jose Mourinho confesses: “Rejecting Portugal for Roma was a mistake.” | OneFootball

Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho looked back on his spell in the Italian capital and called his decision to reject the Portuguese national team instead ‘a mistake.’

In an interview with Korean EA Sports YouTube channel, the Special One discussed his time at Roma.

“The two finals with Roma were the most difficult to reach. Perhaps the Europa League with Manchester United was also very difficult. Because they were two teams that when I arrived that were in a very difficult situation.”

“Some coaches are perhaps smarter and more intelligent and therefore choose the right assignment with the ideal conditions to achieve success. I need to always work, feel that I am doing something and helping someone.”

“I like challenges, even if sometimes they are unfair because I can’t be expected to win trophies when my team is not the strongest in the race. Which national team would I coach? It’s normal, Portugal. I had the chance to go twice, but they didn’t come at the right time for me.”

“I got emotional when I didn’t accept the last offer, because I decided to stay at Roma and I think I made a mistake. Because now Portugal has a fantastic team, one of the best, in the top five. I knew it, but I felt a great connection with Roma, with the fans, so I didn’t want to make that decision.”

“The Portugal opportunity has come twice, but I think a third one will come too and I will take it. Hoping that the generation I have will be as strong as this one.”