José Mourinho announced as next ‘long-term’ AS Roma manager

José Mourinho’s been out of a job for barely two weeks before landing his next assignment, with AS Roma confirming this morning that they have appointed the former Chelsea (and Spurs, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Inter, Porto, Leiria, Benfica) boss as their new manager starting next season.

The 58-year-old has signed a three-year contract.

“Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision. 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. In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!”

-José Mourinho; source: AS Roma

Another former Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri was also heavily linked with the Giallorossi job, with current manager Paulo Fonseca long expected to not last beyond the season. His fate was officially confirmed just a few hours before Mourinho’s announcement.

Mourinho becomes the third former Chelsea boss in the Italian top flight, with Antonio Conte confirmed as champion with Inter over the weekend and Claudio Ranieri guiding Sampdoria to a mid-table finish. Sarri’s expected to land a new job soon, too, perhaps back in Naples.

Meanwhile, it would seem that The Special On(c)e is still trading on old glories.

“When José became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time.

“We were blown away by José’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 José will be the perfect coach for our project, for both our immediate and long-term future.”

-Tiago Pinto, GM; source: AS Roma

Well there ya go, another team looking to build for the “long-term” with one of the most short-term-thinking managers of all time.

Good luck to yous, AS Roma.