Jose Mourinho has been;appointed as the head coach of Italian club, AS Roma, on a three-year deal set to begin at the start of next season.
Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in April after just 17 months in charge of the Premier League club. His appointment comes just hours after Roma confirmed;that current manager, Paulo Fonseca, would depart at the end of the current campaign.
The appointment will also represent the ‘Special one’s’ second spell in Serie A. He spent two seasons with Inter Milan before leaving to join Real Madrid in 2010.
In a statement, Mourinho attributed his decision to join the club to an ambition to “build a winning project”.
“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.”
Mourinho won consecutive Serie A titles with Inter during his spell and Italy and impressively completed;a treble – that included a Champions League triumph – in his final season with the club.
Analysts say a job in Italy might represent a fresh start for the 58-year-old, who has recently struggled;to make an impact in England.
The Tottenham dismissal was his third in six seasons by a Premier League club, following dismissals from Chelsea – in his second spell at the club – and Manchester United.
Mourinho, ‘one of the greatest managers of all time’
Commenting on Jose Mourinho’s appointment, Roma General Manager, Tiago Pinto, dubbed him “one of the greatest managers of all time”.
“When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time.
“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”.
In a separate statement, Roma’s President, Dan Friedkin, and Vice-President, Ryan Friedkin, also welcomed a “great champion” to the club.
“We are thrilled and delighted to welcome José Mourinho into the AS Roma family. A great champion who has won trophies at every level, José will provide tremendous leadership and experience to our ambitious project.
“The appointment of José is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture throughout the club”.
Roma look set to miss out on Champions League qualification for next season as they sit seventh in Serie A with four games left to play. Also, their hopes of Champions League qualification through the Europa League were all but ended in a 6-2 semi-final first-leg loss to Manchester United last week.
A loss this weekend also means the club is currently on a six-match losing streak in all competitions.
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