(SATSports) – Jose Mourinho will return to Italy after an 11-year hiatus when he will take over as manager of AS Roma in the 2021/2022 season.
The club on Tuesday announced the 58-year-old Portuguese will take over on a three-year deal from his compatriot Paulo Fonseca, who will leave at the end of the current season.
Earlier on Tuesday, Roma had announced Fonseca’s impending departure after nearly two years at the club. Fonseca’s future had been in question for several months with the club’s form and fortunes wildly see-sawing.
Mourinho finds himself back in a job two weeks after he was sacked by English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur after 17 months in charge following a poor run of results.
Roma described Mourinho as “a great champion who has won trophies at every level” and will offer “tremendous leadership and experience” in the club’s project.
“The appointment of José is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture throughout the club,” the club said in a statement.
Mourinho, on his part, said he was extremely pleased to be chosen to lead the club and be part of its vision.
“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season,” he said.
Mourinho, one of the world’s most successful coaches, will be tasked with helping Roma try and secure a first league title since 2001 and regular Champions League football.
Mourinho’s other stint in Italy, at Inter Milan, between 2008 and 2010, saw him win the league (twice), the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. His final season saw the club complete a historic treble.
