Jose Mourinho revealed the three reasons he turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Portuguese boss was widely reported to have rejected an offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab back in January.
As per ESPN, Mourinho held talks with the Saudi side’s sporting director, Domenico Tite just a week after he was dismissed by Roma.
Advert
However, in a new interview with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho inferred he received an approach from the Saudi Arabia while he was Roma boss, only to turn down the move for three reasons.
The 61-year-old, who has been sacked in his last five jobs (Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma), also praised Cristiano Ronaldo for pioneering the growth of the Saudi Arabian top flight, though suggested the league still had a way to go.
The former ex-Inter and Porto manager said: “I think Cristiano opened the door in terms of people believing that it’s possible to be [in Saudi Arabia], to live there, to enjoy it there, to enjoy the development of a country that wants to be a different country within football.
Advert
“There is a passion but it is not developed.
“Cristiano opened the door and when I had a proposal, of course, economically it was important. I refused because what is more important for me was Roma, European football objectives and commitment.
“If you ask me in the future, experience has taught me to say never say never but if you ask me why I’m travelling today to Saudi, it’s because i’m going to enjoy three days watching boxing, watching Formula 1, being with some friends.
Advert
“It’s not because I’m going to sign any contract because now I have time until the end of the season to make the right decision.”
Mourinho, who has been spotted at the Saudi Grand Prix and Anthony Joshua's bout with Francis Ngannou in Saudi in recent weeks, admitted he is likely to wait until the summer for a job to become available.
Topics: Jose Mourinho, Saudi Pro League, Fabrizio Romano, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Roma
Chris Byfield