Jose Mourinho has expressed his gratitude and love for Roma’s fans in a touching farewell message after he was surprisingly sacked on Tuesday morning.
The 60-year-old, who had joined the Serie A side in May 2021, was dismissed following a poor run of form that saw the team record just one win in their last five league matches.
Roma have wasted no time in appointing Mourinho’s successor, with former club captain and legend Daniele de Rossi taking over until the end of the season.
Mourinho, who had won the Europa Conference League with Roma in May 2022, took to Instagram to post a parting message to the club’s supporters.
He wrote: “Sudore, sangue, lacrime, allegria, tristezza, amore, fratelli, storia, cuore, eternità.” (Sweat, blood, tears, joy, sadness, love, brothers, history, heart, eternity).
“I want to thank everyone who shared this journey with me. The players, who gave everything on the pitch, the staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the directors, who trusted me and supported me.”
He added: “I will always remember the moments of joy and celebration we had together, especially the unforgettable night in Tirana, when we lifted the first European trophy in the club’s history.”
Mourinho’s sacking came as a shock to many, as he had led Roma to two consecutive sixth-placed finishes in Serie A and another European final in the Europa League last season, where they lost on penalties to Sevilla.
He said: “I have been in this game for a long time, and I know how it works. Some journalists are honest and professional, but others are not. They have an agenda against me and Roma, and they try to influence the public opinion and the referees.”
Mourinho’s departure leaves his future uncertain, as he has now been sacked by four of his last five clubs.
