Jose Mourinho left Roma’s training ground close to tears after his sacking was confirmed
Former Chelsea hero Frank Lebouef has revealed Jose Mourinho still has one major ambition to fulfil in his coaching career.
The 60-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Roma fans on Tuesday after he was sacked following a miserable run of results.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss led Roma to the Europa League final last season after winning the Europa Conference League the campaign before.
Results have deteriorated in recent months and Roma have won only one of their last five Serie A matches to slip to ninth in the table.
Confirming Mourinho’s departure, club owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin said: ‘We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.
‘We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.
‘We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.’
Jose Mourinho’s Roma had won just one of their last five Seria game and sunk to ninth in the table (Picture: Getty)
Attention has swiftly turned to Mourinho’s potential next destination with a move to the Saudi Pro League mooted, or a return to the Premier League with Newcastle.
Lebouef, however, insists Mourinho is likely to still harbour the burning ambition to manage at international level and coach his native Portugal.
Roberto Martinez is currently the man masterminding Portugal’s path to glory at this summer’s Euros but Lebouef believes Mourinho will be watching carefully and ready to pounce should an opportunity arise.
He told ESPNFC: ‘I remember interviewing Mr Mourinho when he was at Madrid or Chelsea when he came over to Los Angeles.
JOSE MOURINHO NEXT CLUB ODDS
Any Saudi Pro League team – 3/1
Portugal national team – 4/1
Any MLS team – 5/1
Newcastle United – 7/1
FC Porto 7/1
England national team 12/1
*Odds via Sky Bet
‘He admitted that the last thing he would love to do in his coaching career would be to get the Portuguese national team job. I think that’s going to be his goal.
‘It’s tricky right now with Roberto but I really think he can be patient and see how it goes during the Euros and then maybe jump into the seat if he has the chance to.’
Mourinho, meanwhile, has already been replaced at the Roma helm by club legend Daniele De Rossi.
‘I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of Roma’s head coach role,’ said the former club captain after he was confirmed in the job.
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‘From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season,” said De Rossi.
‘The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence.
‘We have no time or choice but to be competitive, fight for our goals, and try to achieve them, which are the only priorities my staff and I have set for ourselves.’
MORE : Jose Mourinho and coaching staff leave Roma with immediate effect
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