"I will certainly coach Portugal. It hasn't happened yet, but it will," Mourinho told Sport TV after Fenerbahce's 2-1 pre-season friendly win against Portimonense in Albufeira, Portugal on 17/7.
The 62-year-old Mourinho's contract with Fenerbahce runs until the summer of 2026. However, it reportedly includes a clause allowing him to take the Portugal job if offered.
"It's not because I feel my career is ending; I'm far from that point," the charismatic coach added. "I don't want to coach the national team to retire or relax. I want to do it while I'm at my peak, physically and mentally fit. I will definitely return."
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Coach Jose Mourinho directs a Fenerbahce training session on 10/7. Photo: Fenerbahce |
Coach Jose Mourinho directs a Fenerbahce training session on 10/7. Photo: Fenerbahce
Mourinho has managed three Portuguese clubs: Benfica, Uniao De Leiria, and FC Porto. He achieved notable success with Porto, winning the 2004 Champions League, the UEFA Cup, and two Portuguese league titles.
Afterwards, "The Special One" won three Premier League titles with Chelsea, a historic treble with Inter Milan, La Liga with Real Madrid, the Europa League with Manchester United, and the Conference League with Roma. He is the only coach to have won all three current UEFA club competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
When asked whether he preferred to continue coaching clubs or lead the Portugal national team, Mourinho responded, "Anything."
Mourinho took charge of Fenerbahce in the summer of 2024. He didn't win any trophies in his first season in Turkey, with the team finishing second in the Super Lig, losing to Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals, and exiting the Europa League in the round of 16.
Roberto Martinez currently manages Portugal under a contract through the 2026 World Cup. He recently won his first international title, leading Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League.
Last year, Mourinho revealed he had twice declined the opportunity to coach his national team.
Compiled by Hong Duy
